The power of pepper

摘要

The 'black pepper' aroma in Shiraz hit the headlines last year when AWRI scientists revealed the identity of its source - a compound called rotundone. This was a significant breakthrough - perhaps one of the most significant in a generation.rnThe story of the AWRI discovery is one of perseverance and scientific endeavour. Until now, it has not been told. Over eight years, AWRI scientists used painstaking analysisrnand state-of-the-art technology to identify the mystery compound that is the source of the 'black pepper' smell.rnThe natural product rotundone is so potent, one drop is enough to make an Olympic-size swimming pool full of water smell peppery. Still, the compound remains elusive to some noses and even at 'high' levels some people find it hard to detect.