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The Science of Volatile Aroma

aromaYour nose can detect many aromas from a wide variety of flavorful molecules in food. Those aromas signal something wonderful to eat, or not.

Volatile molecules evaporate from the food, travel through the air, then enter your nose or mouth. These molecules are very small and light to travel easily. These volatile molecules are accentuated with heat. Cold food typically has less aroma than hot food. For example, the smell of fresh green beans is less than cooked green beans.

It also depends on the type of molecules in the food that produce distinct aromas. Diacetyl smells like butter. Acetic acid is in vinegar. Some molecules are odorless such as citric acid.

Source: Cook’s Illustrated

 

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.
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