The Taste of Water: A Conversation with Christy Spackman
Feb 26, 2024
01:10:08
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Join Lee Vinsel and Christy Spackman as they discuss the flavor of industrialized water, the sensory perception of water, and the historical efforts to make processed water taste appealing. They also touch on topics like food studies, mentorship, terroir, and water quality impact on food corporations. Dive into this intriguing conversation!
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Quick takeaways
Water sommeliers introduced in late 20th century linked water tasting to wine appreciation.
Technological advances in water recycling challenge public perceptions and increase acceptance.
Current research explores defining neighborhood scents to shape historical belonging and identity.
Deep dives
The Emergence of Water Sommeliers
In the late 20th century, French firms notably pioneered the concept of water sommeliers, teaching consumers to appreciate water qualities akin to evaluating wines. This trend, witnessing a convergence of the bottled water industry and sophisticated taste evaluations, embodied the transformation of water consumption into a refined experience resembling wine culture.
Challenges and Opportunities of Water Recycling
Water recycling presented a unique challenge as it brought recycled wastewater back into direct contact with humans, contrasting social expectations of clean water sources. Despite resistance and concerns over recycled water ingestion, technological improvements have made recycling a vital resource, influencing public receptivity.
Exploring Smell Libraries in Mesa
Building on the concept of smell libraries, current research involves engaging communities in Mesa to define neighborhood scents. Investigating how smells shape historical belonging and collective identity, particularly focusing on local sugar beet factories—a locus of distinct smells that evoke memories and environmental impacts.
The Journey Towards Smell Curiosity
Tracing a path towards engaging curiosity beyond archetypal smell responses, ongoing studies question how smells can evoke fascination and curiosity. From historical to contemporary contexts, exploring the diverse roles of smells in defining sociocultural narratives and eliciting meaningful sensory experiences.
Acknowledging the Complexities of Aromatic Histories
Delving into the nuanced terrain of aromatic histories, the research uncovers layers of sweetening stories tied to sugar production, featuring the hybrid experiences of joy and discomfort. Unpacking the societal contour of smell experiences, highlighting shared vicinities and diverging perspectives on sensory landscapes.
After WAY too long a hiatus, Peoples & Things is back! GET EXCITED!! In this episode, host Lee Vinsel interviews Christy Spackman, Assistant Professor of Art/Science with a joint appointment in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the School of Arts, Media, and Engineering at Arizona State University, about her recent book, The Taste of Water: Sensory Perception and the Making of an Industrialized Beverage (U California Press, 2023). Most Americans drink water that has gone through industrial filtration and treatment. Those processes often leave a flavor in water.
The Taste of Water tells the fascinating story of how scientists, engineers, and water system workers have worked for decades to ensure that processed water has an appealing flavor. Vinsel and Spackman talk about a lot of other things along the way, from how water fits into the field of food studies to Spackman’s future plans. HEY! Peoples & Things has a new newsletter, where you can learn behind the scenes details about the podcast and much more. Check it out here.