Science explains bacon appeal

[bassrique]

Chemical reaction that explains the appeal of the bacon sandwich

It is a simple pleasure for millions of hungry Britons but researchers have uncovered the science behind the enduring appeal of the bacon sandwich.

A complex chemical interaction in the meat is what produces the winning combination of taste and smell in a bacon buttie, according to an expert.

The reaction between amino acids in the bacon and reducing sugars in the fat is what provides the simple snack with its appeal, according to Elin Roberts, science communications manager at the Centre for Life education centre in Newcastle.

She explained that the chemical changes that take place when the bacon is heated are more important than other variables such as brown sauce distribution or toaster settings.

At the centre of it all is the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar which often requires heat. The acid and sugar react to release a huge amount of smells and flavours.

Ms Roberts said:: "The smell of sizzling bacon in a pan is enough to tempt even the staunchest of vegetarians. There's something deeper going on inside. It's not just the idea of a tasty snack. There is some complex chemistry going on.

"Meat is made of mostly protein and water. Inside the protein, it's made up of building blocks we call amino acids. But also, you need some fat. Anyone who's been on a diet knows if you take all the fat from the meat, it just doesn't taste the same. We need some of the fat to give it the flavour."

She added: "Fats mean that there are some reducing sugars in there as well. When it's really hot – that's when the Maillard reaction starts."

She explained that the reaction released hundreds of smells and flavours but it is the smell which reels in the eater. "Smell and taste are really closely linked," she said. "If we couldn't smell then taste wouldn't be the same."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddr...-sandwich.html

[James Hart]

Mmmmm... meat candy :drool:

I just pulled a pack out of the freezer for breakfast in the morning

[Joe Gress]

I knew bacon was good for you.

[DigMe]

The Maillard reaction also plays an important roll in coffee roasting.

bc

[NJL]

who needs science when the fact is: bacon is teh winz. period.

[crimson_basser]

Is it just me or were the same couple of words/sentences repeated a ridiculous amount of times in that article?


But more importantly, bacon rules, who cares why.

[embellisher]

Originally Posted by NJL

who needs science when the fact is: bacon is teh winz. period.

In spite of you being a mescin, I agree with this statement.

[NJL]

LOL that statement for some reason reminds me how Gard says i play bass, "wrong handed"

[embellisher]

Originally Posted by NJL

LOL that statement for some reason reminds me how Gard says i play bass, "wrong handed"

He's right! And that's funny.

[NickInMesa]

Another scientist paid for something stupid, like the one who "discovered" that cafeine was a drug.

Good job, Einstein.

[Techmonkey]

is it just me or does anyone else really want bacon now?

[PSPookie]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Another scientist paid for something stupid, like the one who "discovered" that cafeine was a drug.

Good job, Einstein.

New study reveals: People eat bacon because it is delicious.

Can I have my grant money now?

Now, I just need to invent cafeinated bacon (patent pending).

[fitbass3p]

Originally Posted by PSPookie

New study reveals: People eat bacon because it is delicious.

Can I have my grant money now?

Now, I just need to invent cafeinated bacon (patent pending).

That will allow me to work on my life's goal of de-caffeinated bacon!

[Gard]

Originally Posted by NJL

LOL that statement for some reason reminds me how Gard says i play bass, "wrong handed"

...that's not the only thing you do wrong, Snuggie-boy.

[NJL]

I was talking to jeff!!

[spade2you]

I should see if I can get a grant to understand the science of boobie appeal.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by NJL

I was talking to jeff!!

...and?



...big mesican Snuggie wearin' Slap Chop-in' whiny baby, go get a Shamwow to cry into.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by spade2you

I should see if I can get a grant to understand the science of boobie appeal.

I am Gard, and I approve of this research project.

I also volunteer to be a subject, as dangerous as that may be....

[Joe Gress]

Originally Posted by Gard

...and?



...big mesican Snuggie wearin' Slap Chop-in' whiny baby, go get a Shamwow to cry into.

Don't forget benedryl chompin'.

[NickInMesa]

Originally Posted by spade2you

I should see if I can get a grant to understand the science of boobie appeal.

I will explain this by stating that most men are into women, as are some women.

Where is my grant money?