Among the constituents of food, volatile compounds are a particularly intriguing group of molecules, because they give rise to odor and aroma. Indeed, olfaction is one of the main aspects influencing the appreciation or dislike of particular food items. Volatile compounds are perceived through the smell sensory organs of the nasal cavity, and evoke numerous associations and emotions, even before the food is tasted. Such a reaction occurs because the information from these receptors is directed to the hippocampus and amygdala, and the key regions of the brain involved in learning and memory. In addition to identifying the odor active compounds, the analysis of the volatile compounds in food is also applicable for detecting the ripening, senescence, and decay in fruit and vegetables, as well as monitoring and controlling the changes during food processing and storage (i.e., preservation, fermentation, cooking, and packaging). I warmly invite colleagues to submit their original research or review articles covering all aspects of volatile compounds research in the food sector (excluding pesticides), and/or the analytical methods used to identify, measure, and monitor these molecules.

Multisensory Flavor Perception: From Fundamental Neuroscience Through to the Marketplace provides state-of-the-art coverage of the latest insights from the rapidly-expanding world of multisensory flavor research. The book highlights the various types of crossmodal interactions, such as sound and taste, and vision and taste, showing their impact on sensory and hedonic perception, along with their consumption in the context of food and drink. The chapters in this edited volume review the existing literature, also explaining the underlying neural and psychological mechanisms which lead to crossmodal perception of flavor. The book brings together research which has not been presented before, making it the first book in the market to cover the literature of multisensory flavor perception by incorporating the latest in psychophysics and neuroscience. - Authored by top academics and world leaders in the field - Takes readers on a journey from the neurological underpinnings of multisensory flavor perception, then presenting insights that can be used by food companies to create better flavor sensations for consumers - Offers a wide perspective on multisensory flavor perception, an area of rapidly expanding knowledge

It has become popular to blame the American obesity epidemic and many other health-related problems on processed food. Many of these criticisms are valid for some processed-food items, but many statements are overgeneralizations that unfairly target a wide range products that contribute to our health and well-being. In addition, many of the proposed dangers allegedly posed by eating processed food are exaggerations based on highly selective views of experimental studies. We crave simple answers to our questions about food, but the science behind the proclamations of food pundits is not nearly as clear as they would have you believe. This book presents a more nuanced view of the benefits and limitations of food processing and exposes some of the tricks both Big Food and its critics use to manipulate us to adopt their point of view. Food is a source of enjoyment, a part of our cultural heritage, a vital ingredient in maintaining health, and an expression of personal choice. We need to make those choices based on credible information and not be beguiled by the sophisticated marketing tools of Big Food nor the ideological appeals and gut feelings of self-appointed food gurus who have little or no background in nutrition.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world but how does the production influence chemistry and quality? This book covers coffee production, quality and chemistry from the plant to the cup. Written by an international collection of contributors in the field who concentrate on coffee research, it is edited expertly to ensure quality of content, consistency and organization across the chapters. Aimed at advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers and accompanied by a sister volume covering how health is influenced by the consumption of coffee, these titles provide an impactful and accessible guide to the current research in the field.

This book will cover all aspects of flavour perception, including aroma, taste and the role of the trigeminal nerve, from the general composition of food to the perception at the peri-receptor and central level. This book will answer to a growing need for multidisciplinary approaches to better understand the mechanisms involved in flavour perception. The book presents the bases of anatomy of sensory perception. It will provide the requisite basic knowledge on the molecules responsible for flavour perception, on their release from the food matrix during the eating process in order to reach the chemosensory receptors, and on their retention and release from and transformation by bodily fluids of the oral and nasal cavities. It will also bring current knowledge on the multimodal interactions. This book will also cover the recent evolution in flavour science: characterisation of molecules, interaction with food matrix and more recently, physic-chemical and physiological and events during oral processing increasingly considered.

Flavour is a critical aspect of food production and processing, requiring careful design, monitoring and testing in order to create an appealing food product. This book looks at flavour generation, flavour analysis and sensory perception of food flavour and how these techniques can be used in the food industry to create new and improve existing products. Part one covers established and emerging methods of characterising and analysing taste and aroma compounds. Part two looks at different factors in the generation of aroma. Finally, part three focuses on sensory analysis of food flavour. - Covers the analysis and characterisation of aromas and taste compounds - Examines how aromas can be created and predicted - Reviews how different flavours are perceived