Horizon Season 2013 Episode 3 The Truth about Taste

The show Horizon season 2013 episode 3, titled "The Truth About Taste," dives into the surprising and complex world of taste. Hosted by scientist Dr. Hannah Fry, the episode explores the science behind how we taste different foods and drinks, and what influences our preferences.

Dr. Fry sets out to investigate the age-old question: why do some people love certain foods while others can't stand them? To start, she visits a flavor chemist who creates new flavor compounds to add to food and drink products. Through his work, Dr. Fry learns that humans can detect over 10,000 different flavors, but only a small subset can be specifically identified.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Fry also delves into how different factors influence our taste preferences. She invites a group of people to take part in a taste test where they're asked to rate the same wine differently depending on the music being played in the background, demonstrating the power of our environment on our taste perceptions. Similarly, she explores how our mood and emotions impact what we enjoy eating and drinking.

The episode also looks at the cultural and social factors that contribute to our food preferences. Dr. Fry visits a group of vegans who explain how their ethical beliefs shaped their choices, and she also considers how our upbringing and social class can impact what we like to eat.

As the episode progresses, Dr. Fry begins to uncover the role that genetics plays in our taste preferences. She interviews a set of identical twins who have identical DNA, yet have vastly different opinions on certain foods. Through this exploration, Dr. Fry discovers that while genes can certainly influence what we like to eat, our environment, culture, and personal experiences have an equally significant impact.

Finally, Dr. Fry discusses the implications of this research on the food industry. She visits a food manufacturer who uses science to create the perfect balance of sugar, fat, and salt in their products, creating a "bliss point" that keeps people coming back for more. While these technologies can make food more enjoyable, Dr. Fry cautions that they also have concerning implications for our health, as we consume more calories than ever before.

Overall, "The Truth About Taste" is a fascinating look at the complex interplay of biology and environment that shapes our food preferences. Dr. Fry's exploration of the science of taste is both informative and engaging, and viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the many factors that impact what we like to eat and drink.