Tasting the World with a New Perspective

IN the 1990s,Fuchsia Dunlop decided to visit China after reading articles about the country for several months.The ensuing one-month backpacking trip exposed the English woman to a wide range of Chinese food.“The dishes and soups I had even in the cheapest and plain eateries were better than what I had in the U.K.,”Dunlop recalled.

Tasting South Africa

During the Year of South Africa in China, ChinAfrica presents an introduction of different aspects of South African culture. This month we look at some of the country＇s better known dishes

Comparing the difference in enhancement of kokumi-tastingγ-glutamyl peptides on basic taste via molecular modeling approaches and sensory evaluation

γ-Glutamyl peptides can enhance basic taste sensations such as saltiness,sweetness,and umaminess,while the molecular mechanism and the difference in taste enhancement remain elusive.Thus,two complex conformations:taste type 1 receptor 1(T1 R1)-MSG and taste type 1 receptor 2(T1 R2)-sucrose were constructed to form binding receptors.These peptides showed affinity for the two receptors,but a higher affi nity scores and more binding amino acid residues for the T1 R1-MSG receptor,implying that they may exhibit a higher umami-enhancing effect.Thereinto,γ-glutamyl alanine(γ-EA)displayed the highest affi nity for the two receptors through mobilizing multiple amino acid residues to form hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds,indicating it had the highest enhancement for umaminess and sweetness among these peptides.Sensory evaluation demonstrated the enhancement ofγ-EA on umaminess was superior to that of sweetness.Generally,γ-glutamyl peptides could enhance basic taste sensation via activating taste receptor,and exhibited a highest umami-enhancing effect.

Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy reduces intake of sweet-tasting solutions in rats

Studies have shown that there are strong interactions between gustatory and visceral sensations the central nervous system when rats ingest sweet foods or solutions. To investigate the role of th subdiaphragmatic vagi in transmitting general visceral information during the process of drinking sweet-tasting solutions, we examined the effects of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on the intake of 0.5 mol/L sucrose, 0.005 mol/L saccharin or distilled water over the course of 1 hour in rats depriv~ of water. Results showed no significant difference in consumption of these three solutions in vagotomized rats. However, rats in the sham-surgery group drank more saccharin solution than sucrose solution or distilled water. Moreover, the intake of distilled water was similar between vagotomized rats and sham-surgery group rats, but significantly less sucrose and saccharin were consumed by vagotomized rats compared with rats in the sham-surgery group. These findings indicate that subdiaphragmatic vagotomy reduces intake of sweet-tasting solution in rats, and suggest that vagal and extravagal inputs play a balanced role in the control of the intake of sweet-tasting solutions. They also suggest that subdiaphragmatic vagotomy eliminates the difference in hedonic perception induced by sweet-tasting solutions compared with distilled water II E

Novel umami peptides from two Termitomyces mushrooms and molecular docking to the taste receptor T1R1/T1R3

Wild edible Termitomyces mushrooms are popular in Southwest China and umami is important flavor qualities of edible mushrooms.This study aimed to understand the umami taste of Termitomyces intermedius and Termitomyces aff.bulborhizus.Ten umami peptides from aqueous extracts were separated using a Sephadex G-15 gel filtration chromatography.The intense umami fraction was evaluated by both sensory evaluation and electronic tongue.They were identified as KLNDAQAPK,DSTDEKFLR,VGKGAHLSGEH,MLKKKKLA,SLGFGGPPGY,TVATFSSSTKPDD,AMDDDEADLLLLAM,VEDEDEKPKEK,SPEEKKEEET and PEGADKPNK.Seven peptides,except VEDEDEKPKEK,SPEEKKEEET and PEGADKPNK were selectively synthesized to verify their taste characteristics.All these 10 peptides had umami or salt taste.The 10 peptides were conducted by molecular docking to study their interaction with identified peptides and the umami taste receptor T1R1/T1R3.All these 10 peptides perfectly docked the active residues in the T1R3 subunit.Our results provide theoretical basis for the umami taste and address the umami mechanism of two wild edible Termitomyces mushrooms.

Three novel umami peptides derived from the alcohol extract of the Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas):identification,characterizations and interactions with T1R1/T1R3 taste receptors

Oyster(Crassostrea gigas),the main ingredient of oyster sauce,has a strong umami taste.In this study,three potential umami peptides,FLNQDEEAR(FR-9),FNKEE(FE-5),and EEFLK(EK-5),were identified and screened from the alcoholic extracts of the oyster using nano-HPLC-MS/MS analysis,i Umami-Scoring Card Method(i Umami-SCM)database and molecular docking(MD).Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue analysis were further used to confirm their tastes.The threshold of the three peptides ranged from 0.38 to 0.55 mg/m L.MD with umami receptors T1R1/T1R3 indicated that the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond interaction were the main forces involved.Besides,the Phe592 and Gln853 of T1R3 were the primary docking site for MD and played an important role in umami intensity.Peptides with two Glu residues at the terminus had stronger umami,especially at the C-terminus.These results contribute to the understanding of umami peptides in oysters and the interaction mechanism between umami peptides and umami receptors.

Effects of prebiotics on the fermentation of traditional suancai of Northeast China

Suancai is a traditional fermented vegetable widely consumed in Northeast China.In this study,different prebiotics were used to improve the quality of suancai.Four prebiotics(inulin(INU),xylooligosaccharide(XO S),galactooligosaccharide(GOS),and stachyose(STA))were shown to reduce the pH value and increase the content of total titratable acidity(TTA)in suancai,while the contents of most organic acids were also increased.The addition of prebiotics had significant effects on the bacterial microbiota during the suancai fermentation process.All prebiotics were shown to contribute to the growth of Lactobacillus.The suancai sample with fructooligosaccharides(FOS)had the highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus.Besides,INU and XOS could increase the abundance of Weissella.To evaluate the quality of suancai fermented with prebiotics,profiles of volatile flavor compounds(VOCs)and free amino acids(FAA)were analyzed.The prebiotics affected the VOCs and FAA profiles via transforming the bacterial microbiota.In addition,the addition of prebiotics also changed the taste profiles of the suancai samples.This study is among the first attempts to reveal the effects of different prebiotics on suancai fermentation,and the findings provide a foundation to develop new ways for improving the quality of suancai.

Emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate obtained by Corolase PP under high hydrostatic pressure

Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities.However,the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste.Recently,high hydrostatic pressure(HHP)treatment has attracted much interest and has been used in several studies on protein modification.Hence,the study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis by Corolase PP under different pressure treatments(0.1,100,200,and 300 MPa for 1-5 h at 50℃)on the emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate(SPIH).As observed,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had the highest emulsifying activity index(47.49 m^(2)/g)and emulsifying stability index(92.98%),and it had higher antioxidant activities(44.77%DPPH free radical scavenging activity,31.12%superoxide anion radical scavenging activity,and 61.50%copper ion chelating activity).At the same time,the enhancement of emulsion stability was related to the increase of zeta potential and the decrease of mean particle size.In addition,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had a lower bitterness value and showed better palatability.This study has a broad application prospect in developing food ingredients and healthy foods.

Role of bitter contributors and bitter taste receptors:a comprehensive review of their sources,functions and future development

Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review provided an updated overview of the main bitter contributors of typical bitter fruits and vegetables and their health benefits.The main bitter contributors,including phenolics,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,nucleosides and purines,were summarized.The bioactivities and wide range of beneficial effects of them on anti-cancers,anti-inflammations,anti-microbes,neuroprotection,inhibiting chronic and acute injury in organs,as well as regulating behavior performance and metabolism were reported.Furthermore,not only did the bitter taste receptors(taste receptor type 2 family,T2Rs)show taste effects,but extra-oral T2Rs could also be activated by binding with bitter components,regulating physiological activities via modulating hormone secretion,immunity,metabolism,and cell proliferation.This review provided a new perspective on exploring and explaining the nutrition of bitter foods,revealing the relationship between the functions of bitter contributors from food and T2Rs.Future trends may focus on revealing the possibility of T2Rs being targets for the treatment of diseases,exploring the mechanism of T2Rs mediating the bioactivities,and making bitter foods more acceptable without getting rid of bitter contributors.

Umami taste components in chicken-spices blends and potential effect of aroma on umami taste intensity

In this study,umami taste intensity(UTI)and umami taste components in chicken breast(CB)and chickenspices blends were characterized using sensory and instrumental analysis.Our main objective was to assess the aroma-umami taste interactions in different food matrices and reconcile the aroma-taste perception to assist future product development.The impact of key aroma,including vegetable-note"2-pentylfuran",meaty"methional",green"hexanal",and spicy-note-estragole and caryophyllene"on UTI was evaluated in monosodium glutamate and chicken extract.We found that spices significantly decreased UTI and umami taste components in CB.Interestingly,the perceptually similar odorants and tastants exhibited the potential to enhance UTI in food matrices.Methional was able to increase the UTI,whereas spicy and green-note components could reduce the UTI significantly.This information would be valuable to food engineers and formulators in aroma selection to control the UTI perceived by consumers,thus,improving the quality and acceptability of the chicken products.

Genetic mutation of Tas2r104/Tas2r105/Tas2r114 cluster leads to a loss of taste perception to denatonium benzoate and cucurbitacin B

Background:Bitter taste receptors(Tas2rs)are generally considered to sense various bitter compounds to escape the intake of toxic substances.Bitter taste receptors have been found to widely express in extraoral tissues and have important physiological functions outside the gustatory system in vivo.Methods:To investigate the physiological functions of the bitter taste receptor cluster Tas2r106/Tas2r104/Tas2r105/Tas2r114 in lingual and extraoral tissues,multiple Tas2rs mutant mice and Gnat3 were produced using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique.A mixture containing Cas9 and sgRNA mRNAs for Tas2rs and Gnat3 gene was microinjected into the cytoplasm of the zygotes.Then,T7EN1 assays and sequencing were used to screen genetic mutation at the target sites in founder mice.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and immunostaining were used to study the expression level of taste signaling cascade and bitter taste receptor in taste buds.Perception to taste substance was also studied using twobottle preference tests.Results:We successfully produced several Tas2rs and Gnat3 mutant mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique.Immunostaining results showed that the expression of GNAT3 and PLCB2 was not altered in Tas2rs mutant mice.But qRT-PCR results revealed the changed expression profile of m Tas2rs gene in taste buds of these mutant mice.With two-bottle preference tests,these mutant mice eliminate responses to cycloheximide due to genetic mutation of Tas2r105.In addition,these mutant mice showed a loss of taste perception to quinine dihydrochloride,denatonium benzoate,and cucurbitacin B(CuB).Gnat3-mediated taste receptor and its signal pathway contribute to CuB perception.Conclusions:These findings implied that these mutant mice would be a valuable means to understand the biological functions of TAS2Rs in extraoral tissues and investigate bitter compound-induced responses mediated by these TAS2Rs in many extraoral tissues.

First report of the histopathological effect of electrocautery using on the urethral taste rosea during glans penis injury by incision in rabbits

Objective:Currently,electrocautery devices have frequently been used in penile surgical procedures.We hypothesized that electrocautery using during penile surgical procedures may harm the taste rosea and the dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris.Methods:Eighteen young age male New Zealand rabbits were studied:five in the control(Group I,n=5),five in the penile surgery without using electrocautery(sham group,Group II,n=5),eight in the monopolar cautery(study group,Group III,n=8)groups under general anesthesia.The animals were followed for 3 weeks and sacrificed.Penile tissue—pudendal nerve root complexes and dorsal root ganglion of sacral 3 level were examined using stereological methods.The results were compared statistically.Results:The live and degenerated taste bud-like structures and degenerated neuron densities of pudendal ganglia(mean±standard deviation,n/mm^(3))were estimated as 198±24/mm^(3),4±1/mm^(3),and 5±1/mm^(3) in Group I;8±3/mm^(3),174±21/mm^(3),and 24±7/mm^(3) in Group II;and 21±5/mm^(3),137±14/mm^(3),and 95±12/mm^(3) in Group III,respectively.Neurodegeneration of taste buds and pudendal ganglia was significantly different between groups.Conclusion:Intact spinal cord and normal parasympathetic and thoracolumbar sympathetic networks are crucial for human sexual function.The present study indicates that the glans penis injury by using electrocautery may lead to pudendal ganglia degeneration.Iatrogenic damage to taste rosea and retrograde degeneration of the pudendal nerve may be the cause of sexual dysfunction responsible mechanism.

Analysis of flavor and widely metabolomics differences in black sesame before and after processing

The objective of this study was to determine the differences of aroma and taste in three black sesame originsbefore and after processing via flavor and widely metabolomics.By analyzing the sensory characteristics and metabolites of raw and treated black sesame from China,Vietnam,and Myanmar,treated Chinese sesame have the most significant change in hardness after thermal processing,low viscosity and was easy to chew.The electronic nose could distinguish between raw and treated sesame due to the aroma distribution.The reason of treated sesame from China was“fragrant”is due to the highest content(2545.50μg/kg)of total pyrazines including 2,5-dimethylpyrazine,2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine,2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine,3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine.933 metabolites were detected via a wide targeted metabolomics in the taste of raw and treated sesame.Based on the analysis of metabolites related to bitterness,145 substances were selected.The main bitter contributors may be amino acids,dipeptides and organic acids.

口腔外甜味受体生物学作用的研究进展

甜味受体(STR)是1型味觉受体的一种主要类型,可感知甜味并与不同的糖类和人工甜味剂相结合。虽然它最初被发现于口腔味蕾,但近来许多研究表明其在心脏、肾脏、胰腺、胃肠道、呼吸道和大脑等口腔外组织中均有表达,并发挥多种口外味觉效应,如参与摄食活动、能量稳态调节、内分泌代谢调节、内皮通透性调节、免疫防御调控和认知功能调节等。对此,本文综述STR的信号途径及其在口外组织中生物学作用的研究进展,旨在为STR相关的深入研究提供参考。

Studies of the Variability of Primary Metabolites in the Epicarp, Mesocarp and Seed of Dacryodes edulis Fruit at Taste Maturity

The fruits of Dacryodes edulis are rich in biologically active substances, which makes them of great interest in terms of validation. In this study, we targeted the primary metabolites in the epicarp, the mesocarp and the seed of the fruit of Dacryodes edulis at taste maturity, which were selected for their nutritional quality and its appreciation throughout the Gulf of Guinea area, which is very popular because of its large size, texture and special taste. The evaluation of total carbohydrates, total lipids and soluble proteins in the epicarp, mesocarp and seed of the fruit at taste maturity was made from spectrophotometer measurements. The overall analysis of the results of the present study shows that total carbohydrates, total lipids and proteins accumulate more in the seed with respectively 251.33 ± 1.15 mg/g DM;9.92 ± 0.201 mg/g DM and 55.075 ± 0.024 mg/g DM. Likewise, the results indicate low concentrations of total carbohydrates and total lipids in the epicarp with respectively 245 ± 1 mg/g DM and 4.77 ± 0.047 mg/g DM, on the other hand, it is the mesocarp which presents the lowest content of soluble proteins: 28.075 ± 3.231 mg/g DM. This variation could be linked to the nature of the compartment, more particularly to the storage location. This comparative study could lead to the valorization of the seed of the fruit of Dacryodes edulis for its richness in metabolites and arouse significant interest in nutrition.

Preparation and Characterization of Vitamin-D Incorporated Marshmallow

This project looks at a novel way to enhance the sensory experience of vitamin D ingestion by incorporating it into marshmallows. This investigation used a human panel taste test with twelve individuals, an index of swelling, and a stability evaluation. Samples of vitamin D infused marshmallows were prepared and given to participants in the human panel taste test, which evaluated mouthfeel and flavor. By analyzing dissolving behavior, the swelling index test revealed unexpected erosion. In addition, a temperature threshold for storage conditions was found through a temperature sensitivity test. All of these techniques assessed the feasibility and palatability of vitamin D supplementation with marshmallow flavor, offering insights into both the possible advantages and difficulties. The marshmallow infusion technique effectively covered up the disagreeable taste of vitamin D pills, leading to reviews that were overwhelmingly favorable (“Moderate Sweet”) and that indicated a pleasant mouthfeel. During the swelling index test, it showed erosion behavior, suggesting a certain kind of dissolution that is advantageous for nutritional absorption. Furthermore, the study discovered a temperature sensitivity threshold, highlighting how crucial proper storage conditions are.

基于学习活动观的小学英语课堂TASTE教学模式探究

针对当前部分教师对于如何在小学英语课堂上落实学习活动观的困惑,文章通过大量案例研究提炼出一种基于学习活动观的TASTE教学模式。TASTE教学倡导教师基于单元整体视域,根据单元主题与单元目标,确立课时目标,以目标为导向设计连续性话题,并以连续性话题为支点,建构以探究答案、共享表现、真实表达为主要内容的活动流程,从而在课堂上落实学习理解、应用实践、迁移创新等三类活动。

Tasting Yangzhou

A gastronomic tour of one of China’s unique regional cuisines The first step in my Chinese culinary odyssey through Yangzhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, began at Gonghechun, a locally famous restaurant visible from the street only with a banner of golden letters on a field

Tasting Exotic Cultural Flavour in Lijiang

The New Millennium has brought a renewed focus onto China's abundance of world heritage sites. Up to now, 21 scenic spots in China have been included in the list of world heritage sites by the UNESCO and some others are in the process of application. Scattered over the country, these places are the gems of Chinese tourism resources. We have chosen two of them to offer to our readers. First is the unique charm of ancient Lijiang County in China's southwestern frontier province, Yunnan. Some time later, we wi...

Identification of key taste components in Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.fruit using non-targeted metabolomics

Among the numerous fruit species of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.,‘LR’(white flesh)and‘BR’(pink flesh)are two kinds of local strains with high edibility.In order to study the metabolic causes of taste differences,we performed the non-targeted metabonomics analysis of‘LR’and‘BR’using LC-MS/MS.541 metabolites were totally identified,and 45 kinds of metabolites(carbohydrates,fatty acids,flavonoids and terpenoids,etc.)were different between the two strains.The results indicate L-sorbose,D-(+)-glucose,citric acid,L-phenylalanine and oleamide,α-eleostearic acid were the main primary metabolites.The significant difference existed in pathways of unsaturated fatty acids between the studied two strains by pathway enrichment analysis.The results demonstrate that the different in composition,as well as the abundance of primary and secondary metabolites may be the potential causes of taste differences,which provides a new insight into the possible metabolic factors setting off the changing taste of B.ramiflora.