zachary cartwright

Today, we delve deep into the science and innovation with Michelle Schwenk, the president and food science consultant at Bellis Food Solutions in Decatur, Illinois. Bellis is a company renowned for its insights into formula development, technical guidance, and testing for the food industry, working with everything from candy to dairy. 

We reveal the joy of coupling water science with food processing. From the process of creating unique food products to understanding the importance of water activity and isotherms in maintaining food quality and predicting shelf life - we've got it all.

Michelle's got some fascinating stories about troubleshooting tricky food formulas and how her expertise in water activity came into play. We'll hear about the intriguing transformation story of sticky gummies and the low sugar product category, which Michelle describes as a challenge in the food industry. 

So food nerds and innovators alike, let's get ready to dive into an enriching conversation filled with the complexities of food science, obstacles, and advances in our industry. This is an episode every food-preneur be they seasoned or budding shouldn't miss.

Today, we have a very special guest, Ian Fretheim, joining us from Cafe Imports. Ian is the Director of Sensory Analysis, where he passionately explores the depths of coffee quality. He's not just an observer but a hands-on enthusiast who dedicates his talents to ensuring the highest standards of coffee.

In the quality control lab, Ian's daily routine involves processing an astounding number of taste-bud signals. He's like a sensory superhero, utilizing his seventh, ninth, and tenth cranial nerves to decipher the intricate flavors and nuances of coffee. This is no small feat, and Ian's expertise is pivotal in the pursuit of the perfect brew.

But Ian's involvement doesn't stop there. He can also be found meticulously preparing, roasting, and cataloging green-coffee samples. His involvement in every step of the coffee journey ensures that every cup is a masterpiece in itself.

In today's episode, we delve into Ian's remarkable long-term observational study on water activity in specialty green coffee. This research is a testament to his dedication and passion for understanding every aspect of coffee. What's even more exciting is that Ian has some intriguing updates and insights to share since completing the study in 2019.

So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of coffee science and hear what Ian has to say on this episode of "Water in Food." Get ready for a caffeinated journey of knowledge and flavor.

Today my guest is Melissa Coppel, who is the owner of the Melissa Coppel Chocolate and Pastry School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Many of her students have a dream of opening their own business someday, and she helps them realize that there is a lot more to chocolates and pastries than just making a delicious tasting product. From formulations to shelf life predictions, one key aspect of Melissa’s curriculum is understanding water activity and its impact on food safety and quality. Let’s hear what Melissa has to say on Water in Food.

Melissa Coppel

https://melissacoppel.com