Maillard Reaction (Elvis on toast!)

[science_spot]

The Maillard browning reaction is one chemical reaction responsible for the browning that occurs when foods are cooked.  It is named after Louis-Camille Maillard, who discovered it by accident while trying to synthesize proteins artificially.  I love when scientists recognize the significance of something they discover while trying to do something else!

 

Elvis on Toast picture from nerdapproved.com

 

The Maillard Reaction takes place between an amino acid (the component proteins are made of) and a reducing sugar, typically in the presence of heat.  This sugar is one that acts as a reducing agent (or electron donor) in an oxidation reaction.  Typical reducing sugars found in foods include glucose, fructose, arabinose, lactose and maltose.  The reaction gives a brown color to foods while also giving the food its flavor.  Depending on the amino acid(s) that take place in the reaction, a wide range of flavors can be generated.  This reaction sets the basis for the many artifical flavors used in the food industry. 

This reaction is common in toasting breads, baking crackers and brewing beer.  If you want to read in more detail about the chemical reaction, Charlie Scandrett offers a really nice explanation!

While the Maillard reaction relies on the reduction of sugar, the other browning reaction, carmalization, is the oxidation of sugar.  Carmalization gives foods the recognizable carmal color and flavor.  Both reactions are non-enzymatic browning reactions used frequently in food preparation.

Sometimes it is really amazing to me how basic sciences are important in daily life.  More so, how so many people don't even know about the underlying mechanisms of things that are occuring around them.  I found out about the Maillard Reaction through a weird thing at work.  Turns out, it explains how bread gets toasty!

 

Tonya

AKA sunmoonstars

The Science Spot

 

[evwsquared]

Jun. 12, 2009 at 5:13 PM

I wonder if common knowledge of this would affect the price of "miracle" pieces of toast for sale on eBay!

[PaxMommy]

Jun. 15, 2009 at 10:23 PM

Fascinating! I love learning about the 'hows' of everyday things.

I'll have to read this to my kids tomorrow when I make them toast!