This chapter delves into how terroir influences flavor, explaining how identical plants grown in different environments can develop distinct tastes. It also discusses the impact of surroundings on the chemical composition of organisms, leading to variations in taste. The conversation explores the role of smell, context, and cooking techniques in shaping our eating experiences, contrasting traditional high-heat cooking with sous vide for flavor retention.
What is flavor? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore the science of what makes some foods tastier than others, what is “umami,” and how flavor changed in the 20th century with food scientist Arielle Johnson.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
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Thanks to our Patrons Lisa Pulkrabek, David Guilbault, TheRealErikEvans, Daniel Jones, Joshua Troke, Chris Hampton, Shaun Grossman, Pete Evans, Chris Love, and andrea nasi for supporting us this week.
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