Posted on 04/06/2009 7:23:17 PM PDT by GOPGuide
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."
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Doesn’t work on me then. I don’t like bacon.
Ahhhh, bacon!
Liberal!
I don’t have to smell it cooking — just reading about it and I want it now... LOL...
A BLT is good, a BBB is even better. With mayo and mustard. My apologies to those that don’t eat pork. It’s just so good.
I love bacon sandwiches. I’m glad they “uncovered” the “science” behind them before I died. “Science” is always giving me warm fuzzies these days.
You said — Doesn’t work on me then. I don’t like bacon.
—
Well, what kind of world would it be if everyone was normal? LOL...
Meat is murder...tasty tasty murder.
Multi-billion dollar study reveals that boys prefer girls and that girls prefer chocolate. Film at eleven.
It is a good book. I got it for Christmas a couple of years back...
Cheers!
When I was in elementary school this school yard lady took away my bacon sandwich said it was unhealthy. She made me eat the school food and charged me for it! B****.
I have a friend who was shot in the head and was in a coma for 3 months. When he came to he said every thing smelled like bacon. He tells me that its weird but he still loves bacon. lol
I’m telling you grand son what you just said. I’m reminded of the evening many many years ago when my sister and I came home from school and Momma told us our Easter Rabbits ran away and then we had meat for dinner for the first time in 3 months...
Yeah! And actually I like to be eating bacon to keep the Muslims away from me... LOL..
I got a good blast of bacon at the store today, almost bought some slab bacon for the BB game.. a nice crunchy blt mmMMmm.
Is it halal?
Pure heaven is a bacon and lettuce sandwich (no tomato for me), mayo and white bread toast. Loved em since I was a kid. Didn’t matter whether they were fresh made or stuck in a baggie for school lunch.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.