Koku in Food Science and Physiology: Recent Research on a Key Concept in Palatability

This is the first book to explore the science underlying the concept of “koku”, which is central to an understanding of the palatability of food within Japanese cuisine and is attracting increasing interest among food scientists and professionals worldwide. Koku may be defined as the sensation that results from the complexity of the food (i.e., its richness or body), its lingering aftertaste or persistence, and its heartiness in terms of taste, aroma, and texture. A variety of substances ha...