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The Flavor Network
Northeastern University
The project explores the world of connections between culinary ingredients through network science, analyzing recipes from around the globe and visualizing flavor pairings based on shared aromatic compounds.
“Flavor Network” represents a pioneering exploration of the connections between culinary ingredients through the lens of network science. By analyzing over 56,000 recipes from various regional cuisines, researchers constructed a bipartite network linking 381 ingredients to 1,021 shared aromatic compounds, revealing hidden patterns in food pairings.
The visualization shows how ingredients are interconnected based on shared flavor compounds, highlighting significant cultural differences. To make these connections tangible, the flavor networks were transformed into three-dimensional sculptures using 3D printing to represent the relationships between ingredients. This physical representation allows for a visual perception of flavor communities and the interactions among different food groups.
This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how network science can inform understanding and innovation within the culinary field.
Exhibited in various shows, the project has sparked interest in both the scientific and artistic communities, underlining the importance of accessible data visualizations to grasp complex phenomena.
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