08/15/2014

Concocting Condiments

21:44 minutes

How do you turn the bright, sweet taste of fresh peppers into the smoky spice of hot sauce? Or mix up mustard that packs a punch without toasting your tastebuds? In this episode of our “Food Failures” series, Ali Bouzari—a culinary scientist—discusses how to avoid condiment crises like greasy mayo and soupy ketchup.

Plus, Bouzari shares tips on achieving consistency in sauces (and other edible liquids) here. And check out SciFri fans’ favorite hot sauce recipes here, and this kitchen experiment on salad dressings.

Segment Guests

Ali Bouzari

Ali Bouzari is a culinary scientist and consultant in San Francisco, California.

Meet the Producer

About Becky Fogel

Becky Fogel is a newscast host and producer at Texas Standard, a daily news show broadcast by KUT in Austin, Texas. She was formerly Science Friday’s production assistant.

Explore More

Is Your Hot Sauce Up to Snuff?

Use science to improve your latest spicy concoction.

Read More

Secrets of the Sauce (and Other Edible Liquids)

Culinary scientist Ali Bouzari weighs in on the four ways to change the thickness of any sauce, soup, or liquid.

Read More