Step 1: Understand the processes Hydrogenation is a process where hydrogen is added to unsaturated oils to make them saturated, but it does not necessarily affect the taste significantly.
Oxidation occurs when oils react with oxygen, leading to the formation of rancid compounds, causing a loss of taste and odor in oils.
Reduction involves the addition of electrons or hydrogen, and does not directly relate to the loss of taste in oils.
Saponification is the process of making soap from fats and oils, which does not cause the oil to lose its taste.
Step 2: Evaluate the options - Option (1): Hydrogenation: This process affects the oil’s consistency, but it does not directly lead to the loss of taste.
- Option (2): Oxidation: This is the most accurate process that causes oil to lose its taste. It leads to rancidity by reacting with oxygen.
- Option (3): Reduction: This process does not significantly affect the taste of oil.
- Option (4): Saponification: This is the soap-making process, unrelated to the loss of taste in oils.
Step 3: Conclusion The process that causes the oil to lose its taste is oxidation, as it leads to the formation of rancid compounds.
Conclusion: The correct answer is Oxidation.