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Secrets of bacon sandwiches’ winning taste, smell revealed
entertainmentandshowbiz ^ | Apr 14 2009 | ranjankul

Posted on 04/14/2009 5:09:31 AM PDT by JoeProBono

Bacon sandwiches derive that winning combination of taste and smell from a complex chemical interaction in the meat, according to a study.

Elin Roberts, science communications manager at the Centre for Life education centre in Newcastle, attributes the appeal of the bacon sandwich to the reaction between amino acids in the bacon and reducing sugars in the fat.

According to her, the chemical changes occurring while the bacon is heated are more important than other variables, such as brown sauce distribution or toaster settings.

She describes this reaction as the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar which often requires heat.

The researcher has learnt that the acid and sugar react to release a huge amount of smells and flavours.

“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,” the Telegraph quoted her as saying.

“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.

“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 added.

While the chemical reaction releases hundreds of smells and flavours, Elin says that it is the smell that reels in the eater.

“Smell and taste are really closely linked. If we couldn’t smell then taste wouldn’t be the same,” she said. (ANI)


TOPICS: Food
KEYWORDS: bacon
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To: JoeProBono

Oh, baby.


21 posted on 04/14/2009 5:44:42 AM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: JoeProBono

LOL!


22 posted on 04/14/2009 5:45:16 AM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: trisham

23 posted on 04/14/2009 5:45:44 AM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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To: All

24 posted on 04/14/2009 5:48:01 AM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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To: JoeProBono

That’s a Paula Dean dish!!!


25 posted on 04/14/2009 5:48:10 AM PDT by geege
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To: JoeProBono

Brilliant!


26 posted on 04/14/2009 5:49:40 AM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: JoeProBono

LOL! Wow.


27 posted on 04/14/2009 5:51:26 AM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: JoeProBono

Green leafy stuff should never be allowed on a pizza.

But that crust looks perfect.


28 posted on 04/14/2009 5:52:30 AM PDT by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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To: geege

29 posted on 04/14/2009 5:52:47 AM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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To: savedbygrace
Better?


30 posted on 04/14/2009 5:54:24 AM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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To: JoeProBono

31 posted on 04/14/2009 5:54:30 AM PDT by Joe 6-pack (Que me amat, amet et canem meum)
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To: JoeProBono
You missed the Bacon Explosion, a barbequed bacon sausage thing. And barbequed means slow-cooked over low heat with wood smoke, for you Northerners who think "barbequed" means "grilled"


32 posted on 04/14/2009 5:54:47 AM PDT by FreedomPoster (Obama: Carter's only chance to avoid going down in history as the worst U.S. president ever.)
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To: JoeProBono

Yo!


33 posted on 04/14/2009 5:56:29 AM PDT by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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To: JoeProBono

Just because of you I had to run down to the diner up the street and get a bacon & egg sandwich.

I hope you are happy mister!


34 posted on 04/14/2009 5:57:10 AM PDT by Constitution Day (Where is our Lieutenant Robert Maynard?)
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To: FreedomPoster

35 posted on 04/14/2009 5:57:29 AM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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To: JoeProBono

Butter....10 Times right?


36 posted on 04/14/2009 5:57:31 AM PDT by geege
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To: Joe 6-pack

37 posted on 04/14/2009 6:00:29 AM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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To: JoeProBono

There is but one word to describe this ode to Bacon: YUMMY!!!!!! Except on the Bacon and Peanutbutter Sandwich - My version - I add a bit of Fluffernutter on top of the sandwich. My husband thinks I should be committed for committing this culinary crime. Well, what can I say: he is an American of Chinese descent and he says: Fluffernutter and Pork are not meant for each other!!!!!/Just Asking - seoul62......


38 posted on 04/14/2009 6:01:31 AM PDT by seoul62
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To: JoeProBono
reducing sugars in the fat

Cool! The reducing sugars cancel the fat so now bacon is diet food. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

39 posted on 04/14/2009 6:02:42 AM PDT by bgill (The evidence simply does not support the official position of the Obama administration)
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To: savedbygrace
Yo


40 posted on 04/14/2009 6:04:30 AM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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