Ep 10. Sounds Delicious

In the season 3 episode 10 of Food: Fact or Fiction? titled "Sounds Delicious", viewers are taken on a journey to explore the connection between sound and food. Host Michael McKean acts as a guide for the audience, providing a wealth of information, facts, and myths about how sound affects our experience of food.

The episode begins by exploring the different ways sounds can be incorporated into food. For example, viewers learn about the history of the ice cream truck and how it uses recognizable tunes to attract customers. The episode also discusses how certain cultures have incorporated sound into the cooking process. For instance, Japanese chefs use a traditional instrument called a hibachi to cook food, which not only adds flavor but also a unique sound to the cooking process.

Throughout the episode, McKean delves into the science behind how sound affects our perception of food. For instance, studies have shown that louder sounds can make food seem spicier, while softer sounds can make it taste sweeter. This phenomenon is explained through the concept of cross-modal perception, where senses like taste and sound are linked in our brains, leading to unexpected interplay between them. As the show progresses, McKean relates these scientific insights to different types of cuisine and flavor profiles, exploring the unique sounds that are associated with each one.

Viewers are treated to a range of fascinating examples of how sound and food interact. For example, the show explores the history of popping candy and how its explosive sound affects our taste buds. The episode also examines the role of sound in street food culture, where vendors use everything from bells to claps to attract customers. Another highlight is a segment about the tradition of "sonic seasoning", where soundscapes are designed to enhance the flavor of food - think ocean sounds with seafood or farm sounds with salad. Experts in the field explain the thinking behind this technique, and viewers are encouraged to try it out for themselves.

As well as exploring how sound can be used to enhance food, the episode also delves into the darker side of this connection. McKean examines how food companies sometimes use sound to trick our brains into thinking we're eating something different than we actually are (for instance, the sound of sizzling bacon on a vegetarian burger). The show also focuses on how certain sounds can be off-putting and affect our enjoyment of food. For example, the crunch of someone else's potato chips can be enough to ruin a meal in a silent room.

Throughout the episode, McKean strikes a perfect balance between informative and entertaining, using humor and anecdotes to keep viewers engaged. He is joined by a range of experts, including neuroscientists, sound engineers, and chefs, who all offer fascinating insights into the relationship between sound and food. The episode also features a range of mouth-watering dishes and street food from around the world, making for a visually stunning viewing experience.

In conclusion, the season 3 episode 10 of Food: Fact or Fiction? titled "Sounds Delicious" is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in the science of food. It offers a unique take on the role that sound plays in our enjoyment of cuisine, and will leave viewers with a new appreciation for the complex interplay between our senses. With its mix of fascinating facts, mouth-watering food, and humorous anecdotes, this episode is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.