In this tasty episode, we’ll hear from John Smythe, MS, who is a Sensory Scientist; aka a Professional Taste Tester. His wealth of knowledge regarding food science would put Alton Brown to shame and he shares some of that knowledge with us today. We discuss the variety of exotic cuisine he’s tried from multiple countries around the world, his Master’s thesis about the perceptions of beer quality, his experience being a member of a descriptive panel for a winery, and the various ways he’s used his food science knowledge throughout his impressive career. Be sure that you stayed tuned until the end to hear favorite websites to buy wine and find new recipes.

John Smythe, MS, Food Sensory Scientist

John Smythe, MS, is the head of sensory at Tate & Lyle where, with this team of sensory professionals, he offers scientific insights to help advance innovations in ingredient understanding. Prior to joining Tate & Lyle, John spent nearly a decade initiating and globalizing a sensory program for Herbalife based on his prior work with ConAgra Foods and EJ Gallo. He has a MS in Food Sensory Science from the University of California and a BS is Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College.  John’s areas of expertise include: sensory science, food science, culinary science, statistics, experimental design, data mining, and project management.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN TODAY’S EPISODE…

0:45 John explains how he became a Sensory Scientist; aka a Professional Taste Tester

“I think, relative to most kids, I was probably pretty adventurous but when I wouldn’t eat the pig’s eyeball I guess I got labeled as a picky eater.” – John Smythe

3:43 John discusses the craziest things he’s eaten during his travels all over the world

4:21 John goes into detail regarding his experience eating a 1,000 year-old egg

7:23 John talks about doing his Master’s Thesis on the perceptions of beer quality

10:57 John explains how different cultures perceive beer foam

12:37 John educates about how to properly take care of your beer glasses to get the best foam

16:34 John discusses about his experience as a member of a descriptive panel for a winery

“So, you might spend all morning tasting 27 different wines looking for the one that tastes the most like Band-Aids.” – John Smythe

20:07 John talks about the reason for tasting a wine before you order it in a restaurant

23:44 John provides his suggestions for where to purchase wine online

24:51 John goes into detail about the work he did at ConAgra Foods to help make children’s food healthier

26:24 John talks about his work with Herbalife and how their weight management shakes really taste

28:21 John discuss his current work with Tate & Lyle

“Times are changing obviously, and people still love Splenda, but there’s been a really big push in the consumer market for natural everything.” – John Smythe

30:16 John explains what SODA-LO® is and how it might replace typical table salt

Get 15 Expertly Selected Wines for $89.99 plus free shipping!

SOME OF THE RESOURCES DISCUSSED…

Check out John’s recommendations for buying wine online: Wine Direct and Naked Wines

To learn more about SODA-LO®, visit this website.

John’s top recommendations for food inspiration are America’s Test Kitchen and Maangchi.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

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Until next time!

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