Music and Cooking
The cooking therapy
Music & Cooking
Have you ever tried to cook while listening to music and paying attention to how you perceive different flavors?
You're standing by the stove, the aroma of the dishes filling the air, and your mouth is already watering. Your food is nearly finished, and you can't wait to taste it. But wait a minute: have you ever tried to cook while listening to music and paying attention to how you perceive different flavors?
That's true, the sounds you hear while cooking and eating have a big influence on how you perceive food's flavor.
So, in addition to learning how to combine pasta and sauce, fish and side dish, or meat and wine, why not learn how to combine hearing and taste?
The advantages of music (even in the kitchen)
You will be happier if you listen to music. It's not a cliche or an expression but science shows it. Numerous studies, in fact, have established the strong relationship between music and the psychological and physical benefits it provides.
How is this even possible? The human being is essentially chemistry, both in body and in brain, and music, via its distinct and peculiar vibrations, is capable of altering some imbalances, acting precisely on the chemical bonds of which man is composed.
Among the main benefits of music are its potential to alleviate anxiety due to the production of oxytocin, as well as its anti-stress role or the specific trait of improving the understanding of the emotions one is feeling.
But what does any of this have to do with cooking and food? The bond is stronger than you would think! Food and music are both sensory experiences, the one through taste and the second through hearing. This element, in particular, provides a strong relationship between the two worlds; in fact, the five senses that characterize the human being should not be regarded as independent of one another, but rather as tightly related and capable of influencing and reinforcing one another.
This is exactly what happens when you cook or eat while listening to music: the sounds help you perceive the flavors of different foods. Many studies have been undertaken to corroborate or refute this element, and we have opted to report one to help you comprehend what we are talking about.
The Crossmodal Laboratory at Oxford University conducted several studies with a group of volunteers who were asked to chew some toffee while listening to different types of music with low and high frequencies: the experiments found that low frequencies increased the perception of bitter flavors, while high frequencies amplified sweet flavors, causing the taste of the candy to change, even slightly.
So, sound (music) influences our cooking and eating habits, and it can even provide benefits in the kitchen.
Listening to the right music, in fact, allows you to taste your food with greater enthusiasm and satisfaction.
Furthermore, the rhythm and volume of music are particularly linked to the culinary experience: it has been demonstrated that listening to too loud music leads to eating unhealthy foods, whereas the rhythm influences the speed with which the dishes are prepared and consumed, as well as the amount of waiting time we are willing to wait.
Choosing an appropriate song is thus not superfluous: music raises the level of enjoyment and hence improves the cooking experience by releasing dopamine.
The link between sound and taste: a lifetime love story
Even if scientific research on the relationship between music and the culinary area, as well as the related advantages, are relatively new, the link between food and symphony is far older. Indeed, music and food have been two arts in perfect harmony since ancient times, and they may have attained one of their highest manifestations during Renaissance feasts, when the plentiful courses were given accompanied by dance and music.
In addition, the connection between gastronomic sensitivity and musical sensitivity may be demonstrated through the stories of some of Italy's most famous composers of all time.
For example, Gioachino Rossini is regarded as the embodiment of the marriage of food and music: a passionate cook, the Pesaro opera composer nourished his music with the aromas of the table and the thoughts that these generated in him. Or consider Giuseppe Verdi, a superb composer who is also famous for his refined palate and Piacenza cuisine.
As a result, food and music have a very strong and significant association. Focus on the goodness and quality of the ingredients when preparing your meals, but don't forget about the environment.
Eating is a multisensory experience that encompasses not only taste and smell, but also sight and touch, so let’s cook? Or join our private tours to italy (click to see program) and let’s experience live opera music in the kitchen.
Arrivederci
Mic
Source: The Crossmodal Laboratory at Oxford University
https://www.futureoffood.ox.ac.uk/article/crossmodal-research-laboratory
