A Taste of Molecules: In Search of the Secrets of Flavor

by Diane Fresquez

Overview

A delicious exploration of what creates the flavors we love—and why our taste buds respond to them—in a fascinating, “very pleasant and easy read” (Flanders Today).

In this unique scientific study of food, drink, and how the human taste buds sense taste, food journalist Diane Fresquez brings readers along on a journey of gastronomic discovery.

She begins by following a Belgian beekeeper who uses science to give the ancient drink of mead (or “honey wine”) a modern taste-makeover. Fresquez then travels to Holland to learn how food memories are tested at a research center called the Restaurant of the Future. And elsewhere, she discovers how much skill it takes to make banana flavor in the lab, and experiments on a group of scientists during a surprise meal eaten in the dark.

Stuffed with fascinating food facts, anecdotes from the author’s own culinary life, and a selection of irresistible recipes (including a cocktail with dancing molecules), A Taste of Molecules is an exploration of the senses that will delight foodies and science enthusiasts alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781558618398
Publisher:	Feminist Press at CUNY, The
Publication date:	10/08/2013
Series:	Women Writing Science
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Diane Fresquez is a food and arts journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. She was for many years a special correspondent to the Wall Street Journal , contributing to and editing for the newspaper's Weekend section in Europe. She also contributes to other publications, including the Science/Business news service. Prior to that she worked in London as a script reader for a range of UK media companies, including Handmade Films, HTV, and Sky Television. She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a graduate of the University of New Mexico.

Table of Contents

Contents

I. Taste Uncorked
1. L’Amuse-Bouche
2. Bright Sweetness
3. The Singing Baguettes
4. Library of Yeast
5. Beach Party in a Bottle
6. Learning while Intoxicated
7. Liquid Courage

II. Hiding and Seeking Flavor
8. Licorice on the Inside
9. Taster’s Choice
10. Smelly Pig
11. Apples of Your Eye
12. Banana-Flavored Pop Quiz

III. The Taste Buds in Your Brain
13. Recipes for Remembering
14. Pavlov’s Restaurant
15. Transport Delayed

IV. Scents and Sensibility
16. This Is Not a Soup Kitchen
17. Darkness Edible
18. Nectar & Co.

RECIPES
Sopapillas
Lamb Cutlets Marinated in Hydromel
“Flower Power” Elderflower Cocktail
Hop Shoots with Poached Eggs and Smoked Salmon
Peppermint and Chip Ice Cream
Apple Chutney
Sabayon with Musa Lova banana liqueur
Dutch Ham and Endives Gratinées
Madeleines