Chocolate physics: How modeling could improve 'mouthfeel'

Lecithin plays a vital role in the production of chocolate and many other foods. It's never been clear how this ingredient works on a molecular level, and confectioners have relied on observational methods -- essentially trial and error -- to perfect their recipes. Now, scientists have shown how the field of molecular dynamics could be a valuable tool in understanding chocolate conching -- the part of the chocolate-making process where aromatic sensation, texture and 'mouthfeel' are developed.