Supporting young researchers in food texture studies.

Food texture studies conducted during the last century are beginning to evolve. Based on previous publications in the Journal of Texture Studies, I believe that several areas can be further examined in this century. First, methods to evaluate the textures of heterogeneous materials, such as fruits and vegetables, require improvements. Second, the monitoring of rapid changes in food texture during oral processing should be considered during the design of food products. Third, a new instrumental method that mimics the movement and breakdown of soft foods by the tongue is being developed. The optimization of food processing to reduce the loss of agro-products and production of high-quality foods both require more attention according to the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.