Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101410
A. Massa , M. Delgado Placeres , E. Axpe , L.J. Rothschild , C. Carrero-Carralero
The diversification of food systems through novel ingredients is fundamental to addressing sustainability challenges and expanding gastronomic innovation. This study investigates the sensory acceptance and consumer perception of fungal biomass, specifically Rhizopus oligosporus, as a food ingredient in both sweet and savory emulsions. Fungal biomass was incorporated into two formulations: a pastry cream and a pâté, each compared against traditional animal-based and plant-based counterparts. A sensory evaluation involving 68 participants assessed overall liking, preference ranking, Just-About-Right (JAR) analysis, and open-ended responses. Results showed that the mycelium-based formulations were generally less preferred than traditional products, with lower hedonic scores and significant sensory deviations identified in texture, mouthfeel, and color. However, certain attributes such as perceived flavor and originality indicate potential for further development. Penalty analysis highlighted the impact of structural deficiencies on consumer rejection, while Natural Language Processing (NLP) based analysis of open responses revealed associations with unfamiliar sensory cues. The study demonstrates the adaptability of fungal biomass in diverse culinary applications and underscores the importance of formulation refinement and consumer communication in improving acceptance. Findings contribute to the ongoing exploration of underutilized microbial resources as ingredients for more diverse and sustainable food systems.
{"title":"Rhizopus oligosporus biomass as a food ingredient for sweet and savory emulsions: a comparative consumer study to enhance product development biodiversity","authors":"A. Massa , M. Delgado Placeres , E. Axpe , L.J. Rothschild , C. Carrero-Carralero","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The diversification of food systems through novel ingredients is fundamental to addressing sustainability challenges and expanding gastronomic innovation. This study investigates the sensory acceptance and consumer perception of fungal biomass, specifically <em>Rhizopus oligosporus</em>, as a food ingredient in both sweet and savory emulsions. Fungal biomass was incorporated into two formulations: a pastry cream and a pâté, each compared against traditional animal-based and plant-based counterparts. A sensory evaluation involving 68 participants assessed overall liking, preference ranking, Just-About-Right (JAR) analysis, and open-ended responses. Results showed that the mycelium-based formulations were generally less preferred than traditional products, with lower hedonic scores and significant sensory deviations identified in texture, mouthfeel, and color. However, certain attributes such as perceived flavor and originality indicate potential for further development. Penalty analysis highlighted the impact of structural deficiencies on consumer rejection, while Natural Language Processing (NLP) based analysis of open responses revealed associations with unfamiliar sensory cues. The study demonstrates the adaptability of fungal biomass in diverse culinary applications and underscores the importance of formulation refinement and consumer communication in improving acceptance. Findings contribute to the ongoing exploration of underutilized microbial resources as ingredients for more diverse and sustainable food systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101410"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101444
Samuel Almeida Brito , Joel Pinheiro de Andrade , Regina Maria Silva Bastos , Alessandra Pinheiro de Goes Carneiro , Eveline de Alenca Costa
The growing global demand for food and the environmental and social challenges associated with contemporary food systems highlight the urgency of promoting sustainable practices in gastronomy and food-related sectors. This article reports the experience of the extension course “Food, Sustainability and Global Dynamics”, developed at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Brazil, and discusses its pedagogical strategies and perceived impacts. Thus, this work describes the execution flow, methodology, and pedagogical tools employed, with the aim of enabling its replication by other interested parties. The proposal to offer the course was guided by the following research problem: to what extent can promoting discussions about the food system contribute to raising awareness about planetary sustainability? The course adopted an interdisciplinary and participatory approach, addressing themes such as food security, natural resource management, biodiversity, social food practices, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the certified participants (n = 17), who presented a balanced gender distribution and diverse academic backgrounds. The course evaluation data was collected through an online questionnaire, which was answered by 52.9% of the participants. Among respondents, most reported that the course content positively impacted their personal and/or professional lives (88.9%), and 77.8% evaluated the teaching methodology—combining texts, videos, debates, and applied activities—as effective for understanding sustainability challenges in food systems. All respondents expressed interest in future training initiatives, particularly in remote or distance-learning formats. Therefore, this experience has demonstrated the potential of the topic to foster critical reflection on sustainability in gastronomy and related areas, aiming to train multipliers of actions that guarantee planetary health and a better future.
{"title":"Food, sustainability and global dynamics through an extension course: Experience report","authors":"Samuel Almeida Brito , Joel Pinheiro de Andrade , Regina Maria Silva Bastos , Alessandra Pinheiro de Goes Carneiro , Eveline de Alenca Costa","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing global demand for food and the environmental and social challenges associated with contemporary food systems highlight the urgency of promoting sustainable practices in gastronomy and food-related sectors. This article reports the experience of the extension course “Food, Sustainability and Global Dynamics”, developed at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Brazil, and discusses its pedagogical strategies and perceived impacts. Thus, this work describes the execution flow, methodology, and pedagogical tools employed, with the aim of enabling its replication by other interested parties. The proposal to offer the course was guided by the following research problem: to what extent can promoting discussions about the food system contribute to raising awareness about planetary sustainability? The course adopted an interdisciplinary and participatory approach, addressing themes such as food security, natural resource management, biodiversity, social food practices, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the certified participants (n = 17), who presented a balanced gender distribution and diverse academic backgrounds. The course evaluation data was collected through an online questionnaire, which was answered by 52.9% of the participants. Among respondents, most reported that the course content positively impacted their personal and/or professional lives (88.9%), and 77.8% evaluated the teaching methodology—combining texts, videos, debates, and applied activities—as effective for understanding sustainability challenges in food systems. All respondents expressed interest in future training initiatives, particularly in remote or distance-learning formats. Therefore, this experience has demonstrated the potential of the topic to foster critical reflection on sustainability in gastronomy and related areas, aiming to train multipliers of actions that guarantee planetary health and a better future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101444"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Naniura is a traditional Batak fermented fish dish from North Sumatra, Indonesia, characterized by a salt-free fermentation system driven by acidification and indigenous spices. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its cultural background, traditional preparation, spice composition, microbial ecology, and functional potential, and situates naniura within the broader landscape of global fermented fish products. The review highlights the central role of the acid–spice matrix in shaping microbial succession by selectively promoting lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and inhibiting pathogenic and spoilage organisms. LAB strains isolated from naniura, including Lactobacillus fermentum and Pediococcus acidilactici, exhibit notable in vitro and preliminary in vivo bioactivities—such as antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-lowering effects—mediated by organic acids, bacteriocins, and exopolysaccharides. Comparative analysis reveals mechanistic differences between naniura and salt-based fermented fish products, leading to distinct fermentation kinetics and sensory profiles. When prepared under hygienic conditions, naniura can comply with food safety criteria established by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM). Overall, this review positions naniura as both a culturally significant heritage food and a promising model for innovative, low-energy, and sustainable gastronomy, while underscoring the need for further clinical validation and process standardization.
{"title":"Naniura: A traditional Batak fermented fish as a source of lactic acid bacteria and functional bioactives – A comprehensive review","authors":"Ika Octariyani Safitri , Debora Agnesty , Jessica Sihombing , Winda Adipuri Ramadaningrum , Bovi Wira Harsanto , Lulum Leliana , Andri Frediansyah","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101402","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101402","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Naniura</em> is a traditional Batak fermented fish dish from North Sumatra, Indonesia, characterized by a salt-free fermentation system driven by acidification and indigenous spices. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its cultural background, traditional preparation, spice composition, microbial ecology, and functional potential, and situates <em>naniura</em> within the broader landscape of global fermented fish products. The review highlights the central role of the acid–spice matrix in shaping microbial succession by selectively promoting lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and inhibiting pathogenic and spoilage organisms. LAB strains isolated from naniura, including <em>Lactobacillus fermentum</em> and <em>Pediococcus acidilactici</em>, exhibit notable <em>in vitro</em> and preliminary <em>in vivo</em> bioactivities—such as antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-lowering effects—mediated by organic acids, bacteriocins, and exopolysaccharides. Comparative analysis reveals mechanistic differences between <em>naniura</em> and salt-based fermented fish products, leading to distinct fermentation kinetics and sensory profiles. When prepared under hygienic conditions, <em>naniura</em> can comply with food safety criteria established by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM). Overall, this review positions <em>naniura</em> as both a culturally significant heritage food and a promising model for innovative, low-energy, and sustainable gastronomy, while underscoring the need for further clinical validation and process standardization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101402"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101424
Mónica Buenaño-Allauca , Dhia Qasim , Francisco Guevara-Aroca , Pablo López-Egas
{"title":"Traditional gastronomy as a tourist attraction in an emerging cultural destination: The case of Otavalo","authors":"Mónica Buenaño-Allauca , Dhia Qasim , Francisco Guevara-Aroca , Pablo López-Egas","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101424","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101424","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101424"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Variations in individual wing geometry and baking conditions lead to uneven cooking and inconsistent quality. To address this issue, this study applied actin denaturation kinetics to define a maturity value ( value) to quantify wing doneness and developed a real-time prediction model. Non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to determine actin denaturation kinetic parameters, yielding an activation energy () of 142 kJ mol−1 and a temperature sensitivity ( value) of 15.82 °C. However, because calculation of the M value is invasive and impractical in real-world settings, a machine learning ‘virtual sensor’ was developed to predict the M value using non-invasive geometric and process parameters. Due to the limited dataset size (N = 195), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) yielded suboptimal performance on the test set (Test = 0.877). To overcome data sparsity and enhance generalization ability, a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) augmentation strategy was applied specifically to the training set (N = 156). This approach significantly boosted the model performance, increasing the test set value to 0.948. Furthermore, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis identified sample weight and roasting time as the primary determinants of the value, offering tangible control parameters for precise thermal processing. By converting subjective sensory judgments into objective, reproducible kinetic metrics, this framework provides a robust scientific basis for standardizing culinary processes.
{"title":"Predicting the doneness of roasted chicken wings by integrating actin denaturation kinetics and machine learning","authors":"Yamei Wu , Jingyi Wang , Wenxia Zheng , Zonglin Guo , Yuan Xin , Xiaoyan Xu , Xingguo Tian","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Variations in individual wing geometry and baking conditions lead to uneven cooking and inconsistent quality. To address this issue, this study applied actin denaturation kinetics to define a maturity value (<span><math><mrow><mi>M</mi></mrow></math></span> value) to quantify wing doneness and developed a real-time prediction model. Non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to determine actin denaturation kinetic parameters, yielding an activation energy (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>E</mi><mi>a</mi></msub></mrow></math></span>) of 142 kJ mol<sup>−1</sup> and a temperature sensitivity (<span><math><mrow><mi>Z</mi></mrow></math></span> value) of 15.82 °C. However, because calculation of the <em>M</em> value is invasive and impractical in real-world settings, a machine learning ‘virtual sensor’ was developed to predict the <em>M</em> value using non-invasive geometric and process parameters. Due to the limited dataset size (N = 195), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) yielded suboptimal performance on the test set (Test <span><math><mrow><msup><mi>R</mi><mn>2</mn></msup></mrow></math></span> = 0.877). To overcome data sparsity and enhance generalization ability, a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) augmentation strategy was applied specifically to the training set (N = 156). This approach significantly boosted the model performance, increasing the test set <span><math><mrow><msup><mi>R</mi><mn>2</mn></msup></mrow></math></span> value to 0.948. Furthermore, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis identified sample weight and roasting time as the primary determinants of the <span><math><mrow><mi>M</mi></mrow></math></span> value, offering tangible control parameters for precise thermal processing. By converting subjective sensory judgments into objective, reproducible kinetic metrics, this framework provides a robust scientific basis for standardizing culinary processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101395"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101401
Joan Casals , Mar Carrió
Crop diversity is fundamental for sustainable food systems, yet in modern diets most people remain unaware of the plants that make up their food, reflecting a widespread lack of plant awareness. For gastronomy students, understanding agrobiodiversity and recognizing the plant species used in food preparations are essential learning outcomes that foster awareness of the nutritional, cultural, and environmental value of plant diversity. This study presents an inquiry-based learning project that uses supermarkets as museums of plant diversity, engaging undergraduate gastronomy students in analyzing the plant diversity (at species-level), geographical origins, and water footprint of food products from their own supermarket baskets. The project design, data sources, and collaborative characterization procedures are described, along with results obtained over two academic years. Ninety-five students collectively analyzed 852 food products, revealing a predominance of processed items (86.6 %) and a notable diversity of 118 plant species. Most species had foreign origins, while those from the study region (South/East Mediterranean) accounted for only 10.1 % and 21.5 % of the diversity in fresh and processed products, respectively. Processed foods also exhibited a higher water footprint (289.7 l/100 g) than fresh products (103.8 l/100 g). Students reported a highly positive learning experience, emphasizing that examining their own food purchases through a research-based approach enhanced their understanding of agrobiodiversity and sustainability. Overall, the project demonstrates that using supermarkets as experiential learning environments effectively integrates agronomy, history, food science, and gastronomy, fostering both plant awareness and environmental responsibility.
{"title":"Supermarkets as museums of plant diversity: characterizing the food basket as a project for gastronomy students to learn about crop diversity and water footprint","authors":"Joan Casals , Mar Carrió","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101401","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Crop diversity is fundamental for sustainable food systems, yet in modern diets most people remain unaware of the plants that make up their food, reflecting a widespread <em>lack of plant awareness</em>. For gastronomy students, understanding agrobiodiversity and recognizing the plant species used in food preparations are essential learning outcomes that foster awareness of the nutritional, cultural, and environmental value of plant diversity. This study presents an inquiry-based learning project that uses supermarkets as <em>museums of plant diversity</em>, engaging undergraduate gastronomy students in analyzing the plant diversity (at species-level), geographical origins, and water footprint of food products from their own supermarket baskets. The project design, data sources, and collaborative characterization procedures are described, along with results obtained over two academic years. Ninety-five students collectively analyzed 852 food products, revealing a predominance of processed items (86.6 %) and a notable diversity of 118 plant species. Most species had foreign origins, while those from the study region (South/East Mediterranean) accounted for only 10.1 % and 21.5 % of the diversity in fresh and processed products, respectively. Processed foods also exhibited a higher water footprint (289.7 l/100 g) than fresh products (103.8 l/100 g). Students reported a highly positive learning experience, emphasizing that examining their own food purchases through a research-based approach enhanced their understanding of agrobiodiversity and sustainability. Overall, the project demonstrates that using supermarkets as experiential learning environments effectively integrates agronomy, history, food science, and gastronomy, fostering both plant awareness and environmental responsibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101401"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145885275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101390
Pajtim Bytyçi , Rozeta Hasalliu , Elena Kokthi , Ibrahim Mehmeti , Mergim Mestani
This study examines how consumers evaluate yoghurt products under three information conditions: blind tasting (sensory only), label (origin only), and full information (sensory plus origin). While Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT) has traditionally been used to assess the gap between consumer expectations and product experience, this paper focuses on two origin-based cognitive indicators: Predictive Value, which measures the accuracy of region cues that forecast final evaluations, and Confidence Value, which captures consumer trust in origin information before tasting. Data were collected from 181 consumers evaluating seven regional yoghurt products. Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA, mediation models (PROCESS Model 4), and linear regressions using the indexes. Results showed that although origin cues influenced expectations, sensory experience remained the strongest determinant of final evaluations. The regression results demonstrated significant regional variation in the explanatory power of the indexes (e.g., R2 = 0.609 for Prishtina, R2 = 0.466 for Peja). A typology matrix classified consumer patterns into four psychological profiles. The findings show that, from the lens of EDT, consumer trust and the perceived informativeness of origin cues matter even for familiar products, such as yoghurt. By integrating cognitive dimensions into consumer evaluation, this paper contributes to our understanding of traditional food choices and the branding power of regional origin.
{"title":"The power of place in food evaluation: Analysing expectation disconfirmation theory through predictive and confidence indexes","authors":"Pajtim Bytyçi , Rozeta Hasalliu , Elena Kokthi , Ibrahim Mehmeti , Mergim Mestani","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines how consumers evaluate yoghurt products under three information conditions: blind tasting (sensory only), label (origin only), and full information (sensory plus origin). While Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT) has traditionally been used to assess the gap between consumer expectations and product experience, this paper focuses on two origin-based cognitive indicators: Predictive Value, which measures the accuracy of region cues that forecast final evaluations, and Confidence Value, which captures consumer trust in origin information before tasting. Data were collected from 181 consumers evaluating seven regional yoghurt products. Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA, mediation models (PROCESS Model 4), and linear regressions using the indexes. Results showed that although origin cues influenced expectations, sensory experience remained the strongest determinant of final evaluations. The regression results demonstrated significant regional variation in the explanatory power of the indexes (e.g., R<sup>2</sup> = 0.609 for Prishtina, R<sup>2</sup> = 0.466 for Peja). A typology matrix classified consumer patterns into four psychological profiles. The findings show that, from the lens of EDT, consumer trust and the perceived informativeness of origin cues matter even for familiar products, such as yoghurt. By integrating cognitive dimensions into consumer evaluation, this paper contributes to our understanding of traditional food choices and the branding power of regional origin.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101390"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145749496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101388
Samara Menezes São Julião, Letícia de Oliveira Gonçalves, Lilia Zago, Isabelle Santana
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a root vegetable native to Brazil that has long been recognised as a staple food of Brazilian cuisine. Although it is widely used in culinary preparations and social and cultural practices across several regions of Brazil, little research has been conducted into consumers perceptions of its symbolic meanings. This descriptive, cross-sectional study investigated the meanings that Brazilian individuals attribute to cassava and its derived products. An online questionnaire was used to collect discursive answers to the central question, “What does cassava mean to you?”. Ten categories were created based on the analysis of testimonies and the answers were included in one or more of the categories to which they applied. A total of 1215 responses were obtained from participants (84.0 % female, 87.7 % aged 20–59, from all five regions of the country, 70.0 % from the Southeast). The meanings of consumption were attributed to: habit (29.0 %); sensory attributes (18.7 %); affective memories (18.4 %); nutritional value and lifestyle (10.6 %); cultural aspects (8.8 %); culinary versatility (5.7 %); health issues (3.9 %); affordability and availability (2.5 %); cultivation (2.1 %); and source of income (0.2 %). The miscellany of fifty stories presented, and the sixteen selected excerpts, highlight the importance of this agricultural tradition and its association with a sense of belonging and the collective memory of indigenous and Afro-Brazilian ancestry. Attributing significance can potentially drive consumption, cultivation and processing, and the results of this research can contribute to a broader appreciation of a Brazilian food that is essential for food and nutritional sovereignty and security.
{"title":"What cassava means to Brazilians: a contemporary analysis of cultural and nutritional narratives about the root and its derived products","authors":"Samara Menezes São Julião, Letícia de Oliveira Gonçalves, Lilia Zago, Isabelle Santana","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101388","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2025.101388","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cassava (<em>Manihot esculenta</em> Crantz) is a root vegetable native to Brazil that has long been recognised as a staple food of Brazilian cuisine. Although it is widely used in culinary preparations and social and cultural practices across several regions of Brazil, little research has been conducted into consumers perceptions of its symbolic meanings. This descriptive, cross-sectional study investigated the meanings that Brazilian individuals attribute to cassava and its derived products. An online questionnaire was used to collect discursive answers to the central question, “What does cassava mean to you?”. Ten categories were created based on the analysis of testimonies and the answers were included in one or more of the categories to which they applied. A total of 1215 responses were obtained from participants (84.0 % female, 87.7 % aged 20–59, from all five regions of the country, 70.0 % from the Southeast). The meanings of consumption were attributed to: habit (29.0 %); sensory attributes (18.7 %); affective memories (18.4 %); nutritional value and lifestyle (10.6 %); cultural aspects (8.8 %); culinary versatility (5.7 %); health issues (3.9 %); affordability and availability (2.5 %); cultivation (2.1 %); and source of income (0.2 %). The miscellany of fifty stories presented, and the sixteen selected excerpts, highlight the importance of this agricultural tradition and its association with a sense of belonging and the collective memory of indigenous and Afro-Brazilian ancestry. Attributing significance can potentially drive consumption, cultivation and processing, and the results of this research can contribute to a broader appreciation of a Brazilian food that is essential for food and nutritional sovereignty and security.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101388"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145749498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101440
Ji-sun Hwang, Mina K. Kim
Kokumi refers to sensory qualities such as mouthfulness, continuity, and a lingering aftertaste. This study investigated how Korean consumers perceive kokumi in doenjang, a traditional fermented soybean paste, focusing on the roles of salty and umami tastes. A multi-method approach was used, combining focus group interviews (n = 186) and a consumer acceptance test (n = 306). Participants were unfamiliar with the term “kokumi” but intuitively described it using terms like “richness” and “depth,” and linked it to saltiness and umami taste. In the acceptance test, MSG addition enhanced both kokumi perception and overall liking in a dose-dependent manner, while excessive salt reduced liking. Correspondence analysis of sensory data showed kokumi clustered closely with umami and sweetness, suggesting perceptual overlap. These findings indicate that balancing salt and umami is key to optimizing kokumi-related flavor in doenjang and may support strategies for flavor enhancement in reduced-sodium fermented foods.
{"title":"Balancing salty and umami drivers of kokumi: Consumer insights from qualitative and quantitative analyses in doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)","authors":"Ji-sun Hwang, Mina K. Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kokumi refers to sensory qualities such as mouthfulness, continuity, and a lingering aftertaste. This study investigated how Korean consumers perceive kokumi in <em>doenjang</em>, a traditional fermented soybean paste, focusing on the roles of salty and umami tastes. A multi-method approach was used, combining focus group interviews (n = 186) and a consumer acceptance test (n = 306). Participants were unfamiliar with the term “kokumi” but intuitively described it using terms like “richness” and “depth,” and linked it to saltiness and umami taste. In the acceptance test, MSG addition enhanced both kokumi perception and overall liking in a dose-dependent manner, while excessive salt reduced liking. Correspondence analysis of sensory data showed kokumi clustered closely with umami and sweetness, suggesting perceptual overlap. These findings indicate that balancing salt and umami is key to optimizing kokumi-related flavor in doenjang and may support strategies for flavor enhancement in reduced-sodium fermented foods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101440"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101409
Armin Amanpour
Tarhana, a traditional fermented cereal-dairy product, is fundamental to Turkish and Middle Eastern culinary heritage. Despite growing scholarly interest, existing research remains fragmented across historical, ethnogastronomic, microbiological, and functional domains. This review addresses this critical gap by reframing tarhana as a complex biocultural system shaped by terroir and traditional knowledge. Structured as a comprehensive narrative review guided by a systematic literature search of 153 sources, this work addresses a critical gap in the literature where existing studies lack an integrated synthesis. Unlike prior fragmented studies, this work provides the first comprehensive 24-variant catalog and terroir-based analytical framework. Consolidating evidence from diverse sources, the review explores tarhana's nomadic origins, dual fermentation science, and vast regional diversity, while contextualizing it through a structured comparative analysis with global analogues such as kishk, trahanas, and tarkhineh. Furthermore, the review critically evaluates tarhana's rebirth as a functional food, integrating recent metagenomic and volatilomic evidence to highlight its gut-health benefits. A key update positions postbiotics, rather than live probiotics, as the primary health driver in the final cooked soup. The work explicitly links tarhana's biocultural diversity to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the urgency of documenting endangered varieties listed in the Slow Food Ark of Taste amidst a 77-percentage-point intergenerational knowledge decline. By linking heritage preservation with modern food science, this work provides actionable outputs, including a standardized ethnographic documentation protocol and a microbial heritage biobank framework, underscoring tarhana's potential as both a cultural artifact and a model for interdisciplinary research.
{"title":"Beyond a single recipe: A review of Turkish tarhana's biocultural diversity, terroir, and rebirth as a functional food","authors":"Armin Amanpour","doi":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101409","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijgfs.2026.101409","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tarhana, a traditional fermented cereal-dairy product, is fundamental to Turkish and Middle Eastern culinary heritage. Despite growing scholarly interest, existing research remains fragmented across historical, ethnogastronomic, microbiological, and functional domains. This review addresses this critical gap by reframing tarhana as a complex biocultural system shaped by terroir and traditional knowledge. Structured as a comprehensive narrative review guided by a systematic literature search of 153 sources, this work addresses a critical gap in the literature where existing studies lack an integrated synthesis. Unlike prior fragmented studies, this work provides the first comprehensive 24-variant catalog and terroir-based analytical framework. Consolidating evidence from diverse sources, the review explores tarhana's nomadic origins, dual fermentation science, and vast regional diversity, while contextualizing it through a structured comparative analysis with global analogues such as <em>kishk</em>, <em>trahanas</em>, and <em>tarkhineh</em>. Furthermore, the review critically evaluates tarhana's rebirth as a functional food, integrating recent metagenomic and volatilomic evidence to highlight its gut-health benefits. A key update positions postbiotics, rather than live probiotics, as the primary health driver in the final cooked soup. The work explicitly links tarhana's biocultural diversity to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the urgency of documenting endangered varieties listed in the Slow Food Ark of Taste amidst a 77-percentage-point intergenerational knowledge decline. By linking heritage preservation with modern food science, this work provides actionable outputs, including a standardized ethnographic documentation protocol and a microbial heritage biobank framework, underscoring tarhana's potential as both a cultural artifact and a model for interdisciplinary research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48594,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101409"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}