Biotechnology in Flavor Production

Book excerpt: Biotechnology can deliver complex flavors both as fermentationproducts and single constituents. Recent developments in transgenicresearch have spawned numerous studies in the use of metabolicengineering of biosynthetic pathways to produce high-valuesecondary metabolites that can enhance the flavors of foodproducts. Biotechnology is also playing an increasingly importantrole in the breeding of food crops for enhanced flavor. This book provides a unique overview of the current state of theart of flavor production through biotechnology, examining theprinciples and current methods of producing flavors from plants andother organisms. Chapters are included on plant tissue culture,genetic engineering of plants for flavor improvement and geneticengineering of bacteria and fungi for flavor improvement offermented beverages and dairy products. The book is directed atfood scientists and technologists in the food and flavourindustries as well as academics and ingredients suppliers.