Food pairing, the practice of combining two or more ingredients to create a dish, has been used for years to create delicious meals. Whether it’s a tangy tomato sauce paired with pasta or a rich chocolate cake paired with whipped cream, the flavors of each ingredient complement each other. But did you know there’s actually a science behind food pairing?
The concept of food pairing has been explored by scientists and chefs for many years, and it’s based on a few fundamental principles. The first principle is that ingredients that share flavor components are likely to pair well together. For example, cheese and tomato both share umami, a savory taste that leaves a lingering sensation on the tongue. That’s why pizza, which typically combines cheese and tomato, is so delicious.
The second principle of food pairing is that ingredients that share aromas are also likely to pair well together. This is because flavor is composed of both taste and smell, and when two ingredients share similar aromas, they enhance each other’s flavors. For example, garlic and onions both have a pungent aroma, and they are often paired together in savory dishes.
The third principle of food pairing is that ingredients that have contrasting tastes also pair well together. This is because when you eat something with a strong taste, your taste buds become fatigued, making it more difficult to taste subsequent bites. However, if you eat something with a contrasting taste, it can refresh your taste buds and make subsequent bites taste more flavorful. For example, a sweet dessert like cheesecake pairs well with a tart fruit compote.
The science behind food pairing doesn’t just apply to savory dishes and desserts; it also applies to drinks. Wine pairing, for example, is based on the same principles. A wine with a high acidity pairs well with a dish that has a high fat content, because the acidity helps “cut through” the richness of the dish. Similarly, a light, fruity wine pairs well with a light, fresh dish like seafood.
Food scientists and chefs are increasingly using the principles of food pairing to create new and exciting dishes. For example, The Fat Duck restaurant in the UK has created a dish that pairs mango and oyster, two ingredients that you wouldn’t normally think to combine. However, both ingredients share amino acids, which gives them a subtle savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the mango.
At the end of the day, food pairing is all about experimenting and discovering new flavor combinations. By understanding the science behind why certain ingredients pair well together, you can create delicious and exciting dishes that will delight your taste buds. So the next time you’re in the kitchen, consider experimenting with food pairing and see what flavors you can come up with!
