Tag: Bromatology

Historically, the term 'gastronomy' was systematized by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in 1825 to refer to the knowledge and understanding of all that relates to man as he eats. This concept points to a wide range of terms used to describe food knowledge, from the deeply cultural to the highly scientific.

Globally, foodborne illnesses affect an estimated 600 million people annually, highlighting the critical importance of studying food science. This broad field, also known as bromatology, is the science dedicated to understanding the complex biological, chemical, and physical makeup of what we eat, ensuring safety and nutritional quality.

For almost 99% of human history, food was obtained through hunting and gathering before the advent of agriculture approximately 12,000 years ago. The modern study of human food, however, is a sophisticated, interdisciplinary field that extends far beyond simple sustenance and includes a vast range of academic disciplines and real-world applications.

Derived from the Greek words for 'food' and 'study,' bromatology is a scientific discipline with roots dating back to ancient civilizations that focused on food preservation and quality. It is the scientific study of food, examining everything from chemical makeup to safety standards, and answers the question of what does bromatology study by exploring every aspect of food consumption.

The Institute of Food Technologists defines food science as the discipline in which engineering, biological, and physical sciences are used to study the nature of foods. A scientist who studies food is most commonly called a food scientist, although several related and specialized titles exist depending on their specific area of research and work within the vast food industry.

The term "bromatology" traces its roots to ancient civilizations that first studied food preservation and fermentation. So, what is bromatology the study of? It is a specialized, multifaceted scientific field dedicated to the comprehensive analysis of food, from its chemical makeup to its public health implications.