Developed and delivered in conjunction with the Flavour Centre at the University of Reading, and providing a practical approach to understanding flavour science this course is designed to introduce participants to the role of ‘flavour’ (covering areas such as taste, aroma, and texture) in food products from their beginnings to consumption.
Participants will be introduced to the scientific basis for flavour, and the ways in which flavour can be affected by conditions at each stage of a food’s lifecycle. These include the influence of pre- and post-harvest conditions; the effects of processing, storage, and packaging; the use of flavouring ingredients; and the importance of flavour in consumer choice and perceptions of quality.
Participants will also explore the perspectives of individuals at each stage of a food product’s journey to the consumer. Of particular interest are the roles of flavourists (professionals exploring flavour creation, the components of complex flavours, and the impact of regulations) and flavour detectives (professionals handling flavour analysis, including methods for identifying taints and off-notes). Each topic introduced by the course will be presented in the context of a particular food product, which will build the participant’s knowledge of flavour in relation to a range of categories, such as beverages, snacks, meat, and vegetables.
The course consists of three components - Distance learning, Campus workshops and formative assessment. Upon completing the course, you will have an excellent understanding of flavour as it pertains to the agrifood sector, and its impact on consumer choice. They will appreciate both the science of flavour, and the practical applications to growers, processors, and retailers of a variety of products.
This course would be useful to food industry professionals, and will develop skills and knowledge with a wide range of applicability across the food supply chain.
This module is availabe for CPD (£1050) or for credit (£1300).. Modules taken as CPD can later be converted to credit for a fee of £250.
Contact Name for Enquiries: Cathy Crips and Craig Farrell
Email address: foodcentre@reading.ac.uk
Telephone Number: 0118 378 8722 or 0118 378 7746
On completion of the course, learners should be able to discuss:
Areas covered will include:
Dr Jane Parker
AgriFood Training Partnership
The University of Reading
PO Box 226, Whiteknights
Reading RG6 6AP