SKU: 86836484338

Flavor: The Science of Our Most Neglected Sense

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Description

Flavor: The Science of Our Most Neglected SenseCan you describe how the flavor of halibut differs from that of red snapper? How the taste of a Fuji apple differs from a Spartan? For most of us, this is a difficult task: flavor remains a vague, undeveloped concept that we don't know enough about to describe or appreciate fully. In this delightful and compelling exploration of our most neglected sense, veteran science reporter Bob Holmes shows us just how much we're missing. Considering every angle

Can you describe how the flavor of halibut differs from that of red snapper? How the taste of a Fuji apple differs from a Spartan? For most of us, this is a difficult task: flavor remains a vague, undeveloped concept that we don't know enough about to describe--or appreciate--fully. In this delightful and compelling exploration of our most neglected sense, veteran science reporter Bob Holmes shows us just how much we're missing.

Considering every angle of flavor from our neurobiology to the science and practice of modern food production, Holmes takes readers on a journey to uncover the broad range of factors that can affect our appreciation of a fine meal or an exceptional glass of wine. He peers over the shoulders of some of the most fascinating food professionals working today, from cutting-edge chefs to food engineers to mathematicians investigating the perfect combination of pizza toppings. He talks with flavor and olfactory scientists, who describe why two people can experience remarkably different sensations from the same morsel of food, and how something as seemingly unrelated as cultural heritage can actually impact our sense of smell.

Along the way, even more surprising facts are revealed: that cake tastes sweetest on white plates; that wine experts' eyes can fool their noses; and even that language can affect our sense of taste. Flavor expands our curiosity and understanding of one of our most intimate sensations, while ultimately revealing how we can all sharpen our senses and our enjoyment of the things we taste.

Certain to fascinate everyone from gourmands and scientists to home cooks and their guests, Flavor will open your mind--and palette--to a vast, exciting sensory world.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 04/25/2017
ISBN: 9780393244427
Pages: 320
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 1.30d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 02/27/2017
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2017
Library Journal 03/15/2017 pg. 137
Booklist 03/15/2017 pg. 10
Shelf Awareness 05/16/2017
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SKU: 86836484338

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4.3 ★★★★★
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Mimis cake school
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Finally! Comfy pillows for a😴good night sleep
Color: White, Size: Queen (Pack of 4)
Just wow!! Looking for new pillows that are comfortable & hold their shape. These are it ! I love anything by utopia. And these pillows did not disappoint. Great value. Feels like a high end pillow. As a side sleeper these are a keeper. Highly recommend. And ill be purchasing more!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
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Jennifer Kuhns
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
Soft...but fluffy and tall
Color: White, Size: Standard (Pack of 2)
I've only had these pillows for about a week. They are a great quality pillow. The cover is soft and seems well made. My only complaint is that they are VERY full pillows. If you're tall with broader shoulders, you'll probably love them. If you're shorter with a smaller frame you will probably feel like your head is too high and your neck at a weird angle (my problem). There seemed to be mixed reviews about softness....I would consider these a nice medium pillow. Soft filling but firm enough that your head doesn't sink to the bed. Definitely NOT a down-like pillow, so if that's what you're looking for, this is not for you.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026
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Maria Fernanda Rojas Mejia
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Soft, fluffy and surprisingly comfortable
Color: White, Size: Queen (Pack of 2), Color: White, Size: Queen (Pack of 2)
I really liked these pillows. I tried to show different things in my photos because I wanted people to see the details: the design, how fluffy they are, and how full and thick they actually look. They are so full that the pillowcase even looks tight once you put it on, which I actually loved because they look luxurious and well-filled. At first glance they look very thick and high, but once you lay down they feel soft and fluffy instead of hard. They adjust comfortably and feel very cozy whether you’re sleeping, relaxing, or even reading before bed. I think they offer a really good balance because they feel supportive without being stiff. Of course, pillow preference is very personal—some people like lower pillows and others like higher ones—but for someone who likes fuller pillows that are still soft and comfortable, these are great. They are spacious, cozy, and feel like a very good purchase overall. I honestly don’t have any complaints so far. Definitely happy with them.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2026
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Verified Purchase
RF
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Great quality pillows. Very difficult wrapping.
Color: White, Size: King (Pack of 2)
The Pillows are the real deal. Very fluffy but with good support. I was surprised by the weight of the box they came in, pretty heavy so you know there’s good quality pillows inside. The one negative is that the pillows are packed in very very tight plastic because they come compressed. But the thing is, it’s really a chore to open them. You have to be careful not to cut through the plastic to the material, but the plastic is put on so incredibly tight that it’s even hard to get your finger underneath. But I found a way to open them. Near the top, insert A very flat metal ruler as far in as you could get it. Then cut through the plastic that’s above the metal ruler. That prevents a sharp tool from damaging the pillows. As you get through the plastic above the ruler, keep pushing the ruler further down into the package. Believe me, this simplifies what could be a very difficult unpacking. I am very surprised that the company that makes them does not insert the type of opener that you find on boxes you receive in the mail or even packages that you get from the grocery store where you just pull a tab and that opens the package. These are really good pillows, but you must be very careful about using a sharp object when opening the box and when trying to cut through the plastic. I am a strong man and have the tools needed, a very flat metal ruler, and a box cutter, knife, or razor. Good luck. !!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Starr Charles
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
These hold up very well
Color: White, Size: Standard (Pack of 2)
I have NO luck with pillows. I’ve been in stores & tried them. They seemed ok there. At home, nope. I’ve been getting headaches & neck aches from lousy pillows. I’ll change one, a few nights relief. It doesn’t help that I’m prone to headaches. After reading about different pillows, I settled on these. The reviews were better than so many different ones I was looking at. Including high priced & brand names. I bought the standard size. When I saw, “Customers Usually Keep This”, I kept my fingers crossed. When I received them, I took one out of the package & put my head on it & thought, oh no! This is too hard! I tried it again. Ok….. I slept on it & haven’t had any pains since. It’s soft but firm enough to keep my head from sinking & messing up my neck. I don’t move. No more flipping my pillow over. My head doesn’t go below my neck anymore! This has been 2 months now, but it hasn’t changed at all. I wake up happy, not complaining. No more pains or headaches. This saved me from losing days with a heating pad or an ice pack. The price was excellent for 2 pillows. I can’t believe a blind buy was the answer! These are incredible. Finally, something worked for me.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026

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