Molecular gastronomy: the science behind the art of cooking -

You’ve probably heard of molecular gastronomy before, and you have probably been confused as to what it might be! In the avant-garde realm of culinary exploration, molecular gastronomy reigns supreme; chefs become modern-day alchemists as they create dishes that are designed to entice and vivify.

But what is molecular gastronomy, exactly? And can anyone do it? Click through this gallery to find all the information you need about this strange branch of cooking.

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What is it? -

Molecular gastronomy is a scientific discipline that explores the physical and chemical processes that occur during cooking. The term was coined in 1988 by Hungarian physicist Nicholas Kurti and French chemist Hervé This.

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A combination -

It combines principles of chemistry, physics, and food science to create innovation in culinary techniques and presentation. Chefs who work under this branch of cooking require a profound understanding of the molecular structure of ingredients and how they change under different cooking conditions.

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Reimagine -

The process encourages chefs to rethink traditional cooking methods and ingredients, which is especially intriguing as the culinary world continues to rely on existing methods of cooking.

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Perfectionism - Precision and control are important factors in the kitchen, with chefs meticulously measuring and adjusting variables constantly so that they achieve the perfect results.

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Unique equipment -

Much like scientific laboratories, molecular gastronomy often involves the use of specialized equipment like centrifuges, liquid nitrogen, and vacuum sealers.

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Temperature -

Liquid nitrogen in particular is used as an experiment in temperature manipulation, which can involve the instant freezing of ingredients.

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Spherification -

One of the key techniques in molecular gastronomy is spherification, which involves turning liquids into spheres using gelling agents like sodium alginate and calcium chloride.

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Foamification -

Another popular technique is foamification, which creates stable foams using ingredients like soy lecithin and gelatin.

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Visual art -

Molecular gastronomy has been influential in creating visually stunning dishes with unexpected textures and flavors. In fact, this branch of cooking blurs the lines between science and art in the culinary world.

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A proper meal -

It has challenged the notion of what constitutes a ‘proper’ meal, with chefs reimagining classic dishes in unexpected ways.

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All five senses -

Chefs who cook according to this branch of food science aim to elevate the dining experience by engaging all the senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and even sound!

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Interactivity -

If you were to dine at an establishment that uses this science, you may find yourself ordering dishes that feature interactive elements (such as tableside presentations or edible utensils) to immerse diners in a multisensory culinary journey.

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Food pairing -

A key aspect of molecular gastronomy is the exploration of flavor combinations and food pairings based on scientific principles. Chefs experiment with complementary and contrasting flavors, textures, and aromas to create harmonious and memorable dining experiences.

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Culinary creators -

It has been embraced by chefs like Ferran Adrià and Heston Blumenthal, who are known for pushing culinary boundaries.

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New methods -

Molecular gastronomy has led to the development of new cooking methods such as sous vide, which involves cooking food in vacuum-sealed bags at precise temperatures.

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Machines -

New culinary tools and equipment are constantly being developed specifically for molecular gastronomy, but even older equipment has strange purposes in this field of cooking. For example, ultrasound machines are sometimes used to achieve precise cooking times.

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Experimentation -

Molecular gastronomy has also influenced the use of unconventional ingredients and flavor combinations in cooking, as it encourages experimentation and creativity in the kitchen.

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A question of ethics -

But molecular gastronomy has sparked debate among traditionalists, who argue that it prioritizes novelty over taste and tradition. And there are also others who have discussed the ethics and sustainability of certain ingredients and techniques.

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Food safety -

Beyond fine dining, applications include food technology and product development. Indeed, research in this field has led to advancements in food safety and preservation techniques.

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New chefs -

A new generation of chefs and scientists have been inspired by this culinary branch to explore the intersection of science and cooking.

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Famous dishes -

Some famous dishes created through molecular gastronomy include Adrià's "liquid olives" and Blumenthal's "snail porridge" (pictured).

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Cocktails and cuisine -

Molecular gastronomy has contributed to the rise of molecular mixology, where similar principles are applied to cocktail making.

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Photography -

It has also influenced the field of food photography and presentation, with chefs paying careful attention to the visual appeal of their dishes.

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Molecules -

Another aspect that molecular gastronomy explores is the use of hydrocolloids, such as agar-agar (pictured) and xanthan gum, to create unique textures in food.

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DIY -

Molecular gastronomy has inspired DIY enthusiasts to experiment with cooking techniques at home. Indeed, the internet is overflowing with inspirational methods on how DIY techniques can hone your cooking skills.

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Workshops -

For those professional chefs or home cooks that take a keen interest in molecular gastronomy, there are some workshops and classes that have become quite popular.

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Continued evolution -

Molecular gastronomy continues to evolve, with chefs and scientists pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the kitchen. But in the end, it is a collaboration of food and science that has become a worthwhile innovation.

Sources: (HowStuffWorks) (ScienceDirect) (Britannica) (WebstaurantStore)

See also: A short history of chili and all its famous fixin's

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