Transboundary Evolution of Traditional Foods: Transformations in Processing Techniques, Structural Matrices, and Sensory Omics

Dear Colleagues,

The transnational dissemination of traditional foods inevitably triggers a profound process of localized adaptation. As foods traverse geographical boundaries, specific technological interventions become necessary due to differences in local raw materials, climatic conditions, and sensory preferences. This spatial migration drives significant physicochemical evolution within homologous food systems. Although the cultural trajectories of dietary diffusion have been acknowledged, empirical studies quantitatively analyzing the post-dissemination matrix and flavor differentiation remain scarce.

This Special Issue systematically decodes the localization transformation of migrant foods. We invite original research and reviews that anchor dietary evolution within rigorous scientific analysis. Submissions should focus on adaptive processing strategies (such as region-specific fermentation microbiota, modified thermal treatment, or structural reorganization) and their effects on the final products.

This Special Issue particularly encourages research employing advanced analytical platforms, including sensory omics, metabolomics, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and rheological analysis, to characterize the aforementioned transformations. The core topics encompass comparative analyses of homologous foods across different regions, focusing on structural matrices, volatile fingerprint profiles, and characteristic physicochemical parameters (such as moisture content, ash content, and antioxidant properties). By delineating the evolutionary trajectories of transnational foods at the structural and sensory omics levels, this Special Issue will provide mechanistic insights into food localization, while establishing an empirical foundation for quality standardization, cross-cultural product innovation, and the scientific characterization of global food heritage.

Dr. Longwei Jiang
Prof. Dr. Qian Yang
Guest Editors

Dr. Congyu Lin
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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