There are scientific discoveries that are the result of serendipitous accidents. The “most beautiful of plastics”, a popular polymer in the early 20th century made from a protein found in milk, was accidentally invented by a cat. Proteins, of course, are better known for their nutritional necessity than as a component in plastic buttons. With … Continue reading
Tag Archives: casein
Sanshool Seduction: The Science of Spiciness
One of the most aggressive flavors we can experience is spiciness. Imagine a bright red chili pepper whose color gives us fair warning of its propensity to ignite a fire. In fact, a common physiological response to eating spicy food is analogous to the way our body responds to an elevation in internal body temperature. … Continue reading
The Keys to Cheese: Does This Cheese Melt?
Melted Cheese Frize [Photo Credit: Pittaya Sroilong] Whether you are making cheese fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, baked cheese bites, or homemade mac and cheese, choosing the right type of cheese can make or break these comfort foods. The key to all of these dishes is cheese that produces an even and homogenous melt. Cheeses … Continue reading