Step 1: Understand the processes
Hydrogenation converts unsaturated oils to saturated ones using hydrogen, generally without significantly altering taste.
Oxidation occurs when oils react with oxygen, resulting in rancid compounds and a loss of flavor and smell.
Reduction, involving electron or hydrogen addition, does not directly impact oil taste.
Saponification, the soap-making process from fats and oils, does not cause taste loss.
Step 2: Evaluate the options
- Option (1): Hydrogenation: This primarily changes oil consistency, not taste.
- Option (2): Oxidation: This process is the direct cause of taste loss, leading to rancidity through oxygen reaction.
- Option (3): Reduction: Taste is largely unaffected by this process.
- Option (4): Saponification: This soap-making process is irrelevant to taste loss.
Step 3: Conclusion
Oxidation causes oil to lose taste by forming rancid compounds.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is Oxidation.