Research on Latent Value of Food

- Analysis on Empathy Created by Curry Roux for Home Use -

Abstract

Food quality is often considered to be the only defining factor of food value. In this study, another important aspect of food value is discussed: the social relationships which are commonly fostered by food. The latent value of curry roux for home use was investigated by studying behavior specific to eating curry. It was found that synchronization of spoons (including spoon and chopsticks) per meal time to be an indicator. It is well known that synchronization occurs when empathizing with others, suggesting that creating empathies with others during a meal is the latent value of curry. Also, text data analysis showed that curry is eaten with special and similar positive feelings by home cook and eater, compared to the other meals. These behavioral and psychological specificity supports the creation of empathy by curry.