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Science & Cooking

From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science (part 1)

Michael Brenner, David Weitz, and Pia Sörensen

During each module of this course, chefs reveal the secrets behind some of their most famous culinary creations — often right in their own restaurants. Inspired by such cooking mastery, the Harvard team will then explain the science behind the recipe.

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During each module of this course, chefs reveal the secrets behind some of their most famous culinary creations — often right in their own restaurants. Inspired by such cooking mastery, the Harvard team will then explain the science behind the recipe.

Topics will include:

  • How molecules influence flavor
  • The role of heat in cooking
  • Diffusion, revealed by the phenomenon of spherification, the culinary technique pioneered by Ferran Adrià.

You will also have the opportunity to become an experimental scientist in your very own laboratory — your kitchen. By following along with the engaging recipe of the week, taking precise measurements, and making skillful observations, you will learn to think like both a cook and a scientist. The lab is certainly one of the most unique components of this course — after all, in what other science course can you eat your experiments?


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HarvardX pursues the science of learning. By registering as an online learner in an HX course, you will also participate in research about learning. Read our research statement: http://harvardx.harvard.edu/research-statement to learn more.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Aimed at fostering an interest in science and cooking in novice learners, this course stands as a great starting point for exploration
Led by renowned instructors from the Harvard culinary community, the course is an opportunity for students to learn from the best
This course takes a multi-faceted approach to learning, engaging students through practical, hands-on, and theoretical components
Foodies and science enthusiasts alike will find this course engaging and informative, adding a culinary touch to scientific concepts

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Reviews summary

Science and cooking: a molecular gastronomy masterclass

This course is an excellent way to learn about the science behind cooking. It features top chefs and professors, and the labs are a great way to practice what you learn. Overall, this course is a great way to learn about the science of cooking, even if you don't have any prior knowledge in either field.
Concepts are explained well.
"You'll learn how to properly marinate, and connect it with the diffusion equation, you'll learn how is the best chocolate made, how the Maillard reactions occur and why we coat dough with yolk or baking soda, how the temperature changes affect the ingredients, how can you use gels and different fats, and understand their chemical background."
Labs allow you to practice what you learn.
"The labs were pretty fun although I never really liked lab work very much."
Excellent chefs share techniques and recipes.
"The course features not only excellent presenters and professors, but also famous chefs sharing their techniques and recipes."
Lack of subtitles in different languages.
"Can you please add subtitles in different languages? I really really want to learn something from this site but can't do that literally"

Career center

Learners who complete Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science (part 1) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Food Scientist
A Food Scientist is responsible for ensuring that food is safe and nutritious. They work in a variety of settings, including food processing plants, research laboratories, and government agencies. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create safe and nutritious products.
Food Writer
A Food Writer writes about food for a variety of publications, including magazines, newspapers, and websites. They use their knowledge of food and cooking to inform and entertain readers. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative dishes.
Food Photographer
A Food Photographer specializes in photographing food for a variety of publications, including magazines, newspapers, and websites. They use their knowledge of photography and food to create visually appealing images that are used to promote food products and recipes. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative dishes.
Food Stylist
A Food Stylist arranges and prepares food for photography and videography. They use their knowledge of food and cooking to create visually appealing images that are used in a variety of publications, including magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative dishes.
Chef
A Chef prepares and cooks food in a restaurant or other food service establishment. They use their knowledge of cooking techniques and ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative dishes.
Food Critic
A Food Critic reviews restaurants and writes about their experiences for a variety of publications, including magazines, newspapers, and websites. They use their knowledge of food and cooking to evaluate dishes and provide feedback to chefs. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative dishes.
Food Distributor
A Food Distributor supplies food to restaurants, grocery stores, and other foodservice establishments. They use their knowledge of food and cooking to help their clients find the best products for their needs. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative products.
Food Broker
A Food Broker is a salesperson who represents food manufacturers and sells their products to retailers and foodservice operators. They use their knowledge of food and cooking to help their clients make informed decisions about which products to buy. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative products.
Culinary Scientist
A Culinary Scientist uses their knowledge of food science to develop new products and improve existing ones. They work in a variety of settings, including food processing plants, research laboratories, and restaurants. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative dishes.
Food Technologist
A Food Technologist uses their knowledge of food science to develop new food products and improve existing ones. They work in a variety of settings, including food processing plants, research laboratories, and restaurants. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative products.
Research Chef
A Research Chef works in a controlled environment to develop and improve recipes. They gather data, run tests, and refine dishes until they are perfected. This course can provide a framework for understanding the science behind cooking and how different ingredients interact. It may also inspire new and innovative ideas that can be used in future research and development projects.
Food Scientist (Food Safety)
A Food Scientist (Food Safety) ensures that food is safe to eat. They work in a variety of settings, including food processing plants, research laboratories, and government agencies. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create safe and nutritious products.
Food Scientist (Product Development)
A Food Scientist (Product Development) develops new food products and improves existing ones. They work in a variety of settings, including food processing plants, research laboratories, and restaurants. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative products.
Food Scientist (Quality Assurance)
A Food Scientist (Quality Assurance) ensures that food products meet safety and quality standards. They work in a variety of settings, including food processing plants, research laboratories, and government agencies. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create safe and nutritious products.
Food Importer/Exporter
A Food Importer/Exporter buys and sells food products from other countries. They use their knowledge of food and cooking to help their clients find the best products for their needs. This course may help build a foundation in the science of cooking, which can be helpful for understanding how different ingredients interact and how to create new and innovative products.

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