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Microbial Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Ecosystem Sustainability
by Sabu Abdulhameed Shiburaj Sugathan Cristóbal Noé Aguilar Raul Rodriguez-HerreraThis book gives insight into several aspects of the microbiology, biotechnology, and ecosystem sustainability of special and under-explored regions, that captivate human beings by their natural richness, their extensive biodiversity, the extraordinary forms of adaptation of the living beings that they inhabit, and even that keep living secrets as is the very origin of life. The chapters emphasize all aspects of biological diversity-its description, analysis, and conservation, and its controlled rational use by humankind. Also, the book is elaborated from a wide and multidisciplinary point of view. It presents reviews, research papers, comments, and research notes on biodiversity, ethnobiology, geoscience, chemistry, biological conservation, biotechnology, and ecosystem sustainability Two hotspots are the reference for this enriching book that describes details of extraordinary areas of the planet, from Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila (Mexico) to the Southern Western Ghats (India). The book will contribute to dealing with the practicalities of conservation management, economic, social, and political issues. It provides a forum for examining conflicts between sustainable development and human dependence on biodiversity in agriculture, environmental management, and biotechnology, and encourages contributions from developing countries to promote broad global perspectives on matters of biodiversity and conservation.
Microbial Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Bioremediation
by InamuddinToday, the agriculture industry is confronted with simultaneous issues of how to fully embrace mass production of safer food in terms of both quality and quantity. Most industries are concerned with avoiding significant levels of soil pollution and environmental threats as a result of the excessive and harmful use of synthetic products on crops. Therefore, there is a need to adopt sustainable technological innovations that can ensure the sustainability of agricultural production systems.Microbial Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Bioremediation discusses the benefits, challenges, and practical applications of eco-friendly biotechnological techniques using biostimulants derived from beneficial microorganisms. The chapters cover the use of these organisms to increase crop production, enhance soil fertility and maintain soil health, create crop and plant tolerance to different abiotic stressors, release required nutrients to the soil, increase resistance to plant pathogens/pests, improve nutrient use efficiency of crops, and rejuvenate polluted environments.FEATURES Explores the physiological, morpho-anatomical, and biochemical molecular plant rejoinders involved in stimulating crop productivity Provides information on the physiological, cellular, and molecular modes of action underlying microbial biostimulant interfaces Summarizes methods and approaches for executing microbial stimulant technology Outlines numerous environmental management and remediation strategies This book is an ideal resource for researchers, engineers, and academics working in soil science, crop science, water remediation, microbiology, and biotechnology.
Microbial Biotechnology in the Food Industry: Advances, Challenges, and Potential Solutions
by Salam A. Ibrahim Faizan Ahmad Zahra H. Mohammad Sadaf ZaidiBiotechnology is a promising emerging technology that uses biological systems to develop new products with broad application across medical, industrial and environmental fields. Biotechnology in the food industry provides solutions to microbial issues as well as broader environmental issues, making it key to the safe and environmentally conscious production of all food types. Microbial Biotechnology in the Food Industry focuses on the major microbial issues facing the food industry and solutions using novel biotechnology techniques. The text promotes an understanding of basic and advanced microbiological issues in food production including food products, food contact surfaces, food operation floor and air and a wide range of issues related specific solutions using biotechnology. This text provides researchers and those in the food industry with a full overview of current innovative solutions to the major microbial issues in the food industry utilizing biotechnology.
Microbial Decontamination of Food
by Manzoor Ahmad Shah Shabir Ahmad MirFood is contaminated in the production chain and is the point of concern among the consumers and industries. There is also a considerable increase in foodborne outbreaks, which possess the challenge to industry associated with the production of processed food. Various strategies are used to prevent the contamination during postharvest stage, storage and distribution. Different methods are exploited for degrading or eliminating the microbial contamination from food commodities. The conventional techniques used for decontamination demanded a considerable requirement for novel technologies, which are efficient, environmental friendly, and cost-effective. Novel technologies efficiently remove the contamination without adversely affecting the nutritional properties and sensory characteristics of food material. There is a lack of scientific information on the microbial decontamination of different food commodities such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, sprouts, microgreens, meat, poultry, milk, nut, spices etc. under one umbrella. The application of conventional and novel technologies for improving the food safety of individual food commodities will be addresses in this book. Written by several experts in the field, this book is a valuable source for students, scientists, and professionals in food science, food microbiology, food technology, food processing, and other allied sciences.
Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology in Food Security
by R. S. Upadhyay R. N. Kharwar N. K. Dubey Richa RaghuwanshiThe roles of microbes in agriculture, industry and environment have been the point of interest since long time for their potential exploitation. Although only a fraction of microbial diversity was accessed by microbiologists earlier for harnessing them owing to limited techniques available. The molecular techniques have opened new vistas to access the wide field of the unexplored microbes and their exploitation for useful genes and novel metabolites. Sincere efforts have been made in biotechnology using microbes leading to improve our life with respect to agriculture and people health. This comprehensive volume covers different aspects of microbial biotechnology and its management in sustainable agriculture for food security and improved human health. The book comprises four sections: Endophytes and Mycorrhizae, Microbial Diversity and Plant Protection, Microbial Functions and Biotechnology, and Microbes and the Environment, which contain 53 chapters. The book examines the aspects on endophytes and mycorrhizae, bioactive compounds, growth promoting microorganisms, disease management with emphasis on biocontrol, genetics of disease resistance, microbial enzymes, advances in potential of microbes and their industrial as well as pharmaceutical applications. In addition, the use of botanicals, and the etiology and management of medicinal and aromatic plants in the post harvest management have been reviewed in greater depth for the benefit of teaching and research community The biotechnological developments using microbe potential have enabled us combat the environment and human health problems worldwide in ecofriendly manner. We are sure that this volume will be highly useful to all those concerned with fungi, bacteria, viruses and their biology, including environmental and public health officers and professionals in the field of interest. The volume is an exhaustive coverage of almost all the aspects of microbial biology and biotechnology.
Microbial Enzyme Technology in Food Applications (Food Biology Series)
by Ramesh C. Ray and Cristina M. RosellThe aim of food processing is to produce food that is palatable and tastes good, extend its shelf-life, increase the variety, and maintain the nutritional and healthcare quality of food. To achieve favorable processing conditions and for the safety of the food to be consumed, use of food grade microbial enzymes or microbes (being the natural biocatalysts) is imperative. This book discusses the uses of enzymes in conventional and non-conventional food and beverage processing as well as in dairy processing, brewing, bakery and wine making. Apart from conventional uses, the development of bioprocessing tools and techniques have significantly expanded the potential for extensive application of enzymes such as in production of bioactive peptides, oligosaccharides and lipids, flavor and colorants. Some of these developments include extended use of the biocatalysts (as immobilized/encapsulated enzymes), microbes (both natural and genetically modified) as sources for bulk enzymes, solid state fermentation technology for enzyme production. Extremophiles and marine microorganisms are another source of food grade enzymes. The book throws light on potential applications of microbial enzymes to expand the base of food processing industries.
Microbial Metabolomics: Recent Developments, Challenges and Future Opportunities
by Sunny Dhiman Sukhminderjit Kaur Manikant TripathiThis book explores the potential of microbial metabolism in health, agriculture, and environmental technologies, serving as a comprehensive guide to microbial metabolomics with practical applications. It uncovers the complex biochemical processes of microbes, from bacteria to fungi, revealing their impact on biotechnology, environmental sciences, healthcare, and agriculture. Microbes, the unseen drivers of biological processes, offer innovative solutions across these fields. The book examines the rapid advancements in microbial metabolomics and addresses challenges like data integration and metabolite identification, providing insights to unlock its full potential. It caters to the growing demand for advanced resources in microbiology and biotechnology, making it valuable for researchers, students, and professionals in microbiology, biotechnology, and biochemistry, as well as innovators in food security and green technology.
Microbial Pigments: Applications in Food and Beverage Industry
by Mohammed Kuddus Rachana Singh Poonam Singh Raveendran SindhuMicrobial Pigments: Applications in Food and Beverage Industry offers a comprehensive and updated review of the impact of microbial pigments as value-added products in the food and beverage industry. Microbes produce a range of valuable pigments such as carotenoids, flavins, melanins, quinines, and violacein. The book explores the use of microbial pigments as additives, antioxidants, color intensifiers, and functional food ingredients. It discusses pigment isolation and processing technologies. It covers a range of applications across products like jams, spreads, frozen desserts, and beverages. The book also discusses food safety and toxicology aspects.Key features Explores the various microbial pigments and their sources Reviews the pigment isolation, production, and processing techniques Discusses the potential application of pigments across a range of products in the food and beverage industry Includes the latest innovations and patents awarded in use of microbial pigments as value-added food products The book is meant for researchers, academic and industry experts in food biotechnology, food processing, and food microbiology.
Microbial Products for Health and Nutrition
by Prasun Kumar Vijay Kothari Subhasree RayThis book highlights microbial products and their applications in the health sector. The chapters introduce novel advancements and applications in different pharmaceutical and nutraceutical aspects of applied microbiology. Readers will obtain a detailed overview of the relevance of microbial metabolites to human health and nutrition. Besides knowing the products already developed, they will also get an idea of microbial products currently in the development pipeline and those that are likely to emerge as potential nutraceuticals. Readers will get an interesting and useful perspective on how supplementing food with microbes or their bioactive metabolites can realize the idea of 'food as medicine'. This book introduces the biological activities of various microbial fermentation products, and how they are relevant to mitigating various disease conditions (e.g. neuropathy, diabetes, gut dysbiosis, malnutrition, etc.) in humans. One of the highlights of this volume is the exploration of microbial pigments as potential substitutes for synthetic colorants, offering safer and more sustainable alternatives for the food and healthcare industries. The book has equivalent contributions from experts in academia and industry to fill the communication gap between them. Through this book, readers will gain valuable insights into the historical perspectives, contemporary impacts, and future prospects of microbial applications in health and nutrition. From food preservation to biopharmaceutical production, the potential of microbial products to revolutionize our approach to health and wellness is undeniable.
Microbial Toxins in Food Systems: Causes, Mechanisms, Complications, and Metabolism
by Abdel Moneim Elhadi Sulieman Nawaf Ibrahim AlshammariWhen our food items become contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, these microorganisms secrete microbial toxins which promote infection by attacking the host tissue’s immune system, thereby leading to foodborne intoxication, or poisoning, in consumers. Because these toxic microorganisms are not typically identifiable by taste, smell or sight, it is crucial to the safety of our food systems that they be detected through microbial testing. As the title suggests, Microbial Toxins: Causes, Mechanisms, Complications and Metabolism is a comprehensive overview of the life of these toxins from their pathogenesis through to their implications for human and environmental health. Including examples of salmonella, botulism, listeria and more, as well as various mycotoxins, this text will appeal to both microbiology researchers as well as food industry professionals. Beyond foodborne illness, this text also unpacks environmental toxicology and the role of microbial toxins in the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Emerging techniques in the detection of microbial toxins will be discussed, setting this text apart from existing books on the subject. The use of proteomics in toxin identification, for example, allows for the determination of metabolic pathways and biomarkers of pathogenicity and resistance of biotoxins. This text furthers the study of foodborne hazards and has important implications for the improvement of safety in the food industry.
Microbiome Engineering: The New Dimension of Biotechnology
by Nimmy Srivastava, Salam A. Ibrahim and Mohamed Hussein Arbab NasrThis reference book compiles the latest techniques and applications of microbiome engineering. Microbial communities interact dynamically with their hosts, creating a considerable impact on the host and their ecosystem. This book introduces readers to microbiomes and microbiome engineering. It covers topics like omics tools in microbial research, strategies to engineer human microbiomes, the application of synthetic biology to build smart microbes, and the future of microbiome engineering. It includes the application of microbiome engineering in improving human health, livestock, and agricultural productivity. The book is intended for researchers and students in the fields of microbiology and biotechnology.
Microbiome Thyroid: Restore Your Gut and Heal Your Hidden Thyroid Disease (Microbiome Medicine Library)
by Raphael KellmanThe leader in Microbiome Medicine offers a revelatory guide to the gut-thyroid connection, with cutting-edge information—and a surprising source of thyroid illness If you are one of the 20 million Americans living with thyroid disease or one of the thousands living undiagnosed, Dr. Raphael Kellman understands your suffering. Between inaccurate diagnosis, a wide spectrum of symptoms, and doctors who may not be familiar with the intricacies of thyroid dysfunction, it&’s hard to get the treatment you need. While general hypothyroidism and Hashimoto&’s thyroiditis are the most commonly known thyroid issues, there is an underdiagnosed and yet incredibly prevalent condition: Non-thyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTIS). It can cause unexplained fatigue, memory issues, problems with focus and decision making, and even dementia, and affects as many as 20% of Hashimoto&’s sufferers. Luckily, Dr. Kellman has a clinically proven, expert protocol that has given thousands of patients a path to health—and now he&’s delivering it to you. You&’ll discover: How your thyroid function affects your overall health—and how its dysfunction can explain your troubling symptoms The 4P Protocol for healing the microbiome How everyday household products, cosmetics, plastics, and medicines can disrupt your hormonal systems—and how to detoxA 30-Day Thyroid Rescue program, including meal plans and lifestyle changes Microbiome Thyroid helps you take control of your environment, your diet, and your life, guiding you toward the right diagnosis, the right treatment, and overall hormone balance.
Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis: Implications on Health
by R. Z. Sayyed Mahejibin KhanThe book highlights the importance of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics in the signalling mechanism between gut microbiota and brain, also referred to as the gut-brain axis. A stable gut microbiota is essential for normal gut physiology and overall health, since it assists in proper signalling along the brain–gut axis. The book describes how the cross talks between gut microbiota and brain, not only regulate gastro-intestinal functions but also ensure proper functioning of cognitive behaviour and immunological functions. The various chapters describe probiotic microorganisms that colonize gastrointestinal tract and provide an array of health benefits to the host. It further elaborates about certain non-digestible oligosaccharides (prebiotics) are easily fermented by specialist microbes in the gut, to produce health-promoting metabolites and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. This book is useful for students, researchers and scientists in the field of microbiology, food science and nutrition. It is also meant for industry experts involved in developing nutraceuticals.
Microbrewed Adventures: A Lupulin Filled Journey to the Heart and Flavor of the World's Great Craft Beers
by Charles PapazianFrom trading recipes with the bad boys of American beer to drinking Czech-Mex cerveza in Tijuana and hanging out in the beer gardens of Africa, Charlie Papazian has seen, and tasted, it all. Microbrewed Adventures is your shotgun seat to unique, eccentric and pioneering craft-brews and the fascinating people who create them. Travel with Charlie as he crisscrosses America and circles the globe in search of the most flavor-packed beers. Along with discovering the master brews of Bavaria, secret recipes for mead and the traditional beers of Zimbabwe, you will find lessons on proper beer tasting and read interviews with American master brewers including those of Dogfish Head, Magic Hat, Rogue Ales, Stone Brewing and Brooklyn Brewery. Charlie also includes special homebrew recipes inspired by the innovative brewers who are making some the best beer in the world.
Microbrewery, Distillery, or Cidery
by The Staff of Entrepreneur MediaThe experts at Entrepreneur provide a two-part guide to success. First, craft enthusiasts and entrepreneurs looking to start their own brand of high-end beers and spirits will find the necessary tools and expert advice in this new addition to the popular Start Your Own series. Then, they'll master the fundamentals of business startup including defining their business structure, funding, staffing and more.This kit includes: Essential industry and business-specific startup steps with worksheets, calculators, checklists and more Entrepreneur Editors' Start Your Own Business, a guide to starting any business and surviving the first three years Interviews and advice from successful entrepreneurs in the industry Worksheets, brainstorming sections, and checklists Entrepreneur's Startup Resource Kit (downloadable)More about Entrepreneur's Startup Resource KitEvery small business is unique. Therefore, it's essential to have tools that are customizable depending on your business's needs. That's why with Entrepreneur is also offering you access to our Startup Resource Kit. Get instant access to thousands of business letters, sales letters, sample documents and more - all at your fingertips!You'll find the following:The Small Business Legal ToolkitWhen your business dreams go from idea to reality, you're suddenly faced with laws and regulations governing nearly every move you make. Learn how to stay in compliance and protect your business from legal action. In this essential toolkit, you'll get answers to the "how do I get started?" questions every business owner faces along with a thorough understanding of the legal and tax requirements of your business.Sample Business Letters1000+ customizable business letters covering each type of written business communication you're likelyto encounter as you communicate with customers, suppliers, employees, and others. Plus a complete guide to business communication that covers every question you may have about developing your own business communication style.Sample Sales LettersThe experts at Entrepreneur have compiled more than 1000 of the most effective sales letters covering introductions, prospecting, setting up appointments, cover letters, proposal letters, the all-important follow-up letter and letters covering all aspects of sales operations to help you make the sale, generate new customers and huge profits.
Microfluidics in Food Processing: Technologies and Applications (Sustainable Industrial and Environmental Bioprocesses)
by Ashok Pandey Claude-Gilles Dussap Ranjna Sirohi Ayon Tarafdar Barjinder Pal KaurThis book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the principles of microfluidization and its diverse applications in the food industry. It explores the use of microfluidics in processing various types of beverages derived from plant products, milk and milk products, cereal-based products, nut-based products, and meat and egg-based products. Additionally, it delves into the application of microfluidics in food micro- and nano-delivery systems, seed protein isolates, and food packaging materials. The initial chapter provides a thorough introduction to the concept of microfluidization, offering readers a comprehensive overview of the underlying principles and techniques involved in this transformative technology. The book highlights the role of microfluidics in the extraction of bioactive ingredients from food sources and explores the use of microfluidic systems for ensuring food safety, including the detection of molecular interactions in food samples. Furthermore, the book explores the application of microfluidics in the fabrication of nanomaterials with tailored properties. With its comprehensive coverage of microfluidization in food processing, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, and professionals in the food industry.
Micronutrients and Brain Health (Oxidative Stress and Disease)
by Manfred Eggersdorfer Helmut Sies Enrique Cadenas Lester PackerMicronutrients and Brain Health addresses cutting-edge research related to processes of oxidative stress that affect brain function, an area of increasing significance for those concerned and involved with public health and translational medicine. Edited by four leading micronutrient researchers, the book brings together the investigative work of m
Micronutrients and HIV Infection (Modern Nutrition)
by Henrik FriisExploring the role of micronutrients in HIV, this book provides a comprehensive a review of recently published human studies and intervention trials and other important epidemiology based literature. It covers the history, biochemistry, biological functions, and food sources of individual micronutrients and reviews their roles in host defense and resistance to infections in general, and HIV in particular. The editorial panel presents a critical analysis of how existing micronutrient interventions can be promoted, expanded, and modified to reduce the impact of the HIV pandemic. They discuss how this information can be applied in countries where HIV is widespread and treatment unavailable.
Micronutrients in Health and Disease, Second Edition
by Kedar PrasadIncreased oxidative stress due to the production of excessive amounts of free radicals along with the effects of chronic inflammation plays a major role in the initiation and progression of most chronic diseases. In addition, increased release of glutamate plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various disorders. <p><p>This second edition of Micronutrients in Health and Disease proposes a novel concept that in order to simultaneously and optimally reduce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and glutamate, it is essential to increase levels of antioxidant enzymes as well as levels of dietary and endogenous antioxidant compounds at the same time. This is accomplished by activating the Nrf2 pathways and by increasing the levels of antioxidant compounds and B-vitamins through supplementation. This book proposes a mixture of micronutrients that achieves this above goal. The mixture of micronutrients together with modification in diet and lifestyle may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and in combination with standard care, may improve the management of these diseases. <p><p>KEY FEATURES <li>Provides evidence in support of the idea that increased oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and glutamate are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. <li>Contains three new chapters on Huntington’s disease, Autism spectra, and Prion disease. <li>Discusses the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. <li>Presents information on regulation of the expression of microRNAs by reactive oxygen species and antioxidants. <p><p>Micronutrients in Health and Disease, Second Edition serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to promote healthy aging and prevent and improved management of chronic diseases.
Microwave Cooking for One & Two (Basic Basics)
by Carol Bowen BallDo you own a microwave? Probably. But did you know that recent research has shown that because of the lack of power that it uses, compared with conventional cooking methods, the microwave works out the cheapest of all the cooking appliances? And with energy costs spiraling to unthinkable levels, it seems that the microwave’s moment has come – and not before time. Because of its energy efficiency isn’t it time to use it every day creatively rather than just warming up leftovers? There are countless dishes that are done beautifully, and completely, in a microwave. Vegetables cook perfectly, losing fewer nutrients than in a pan and fish is generally regarded better done in the microwave than poached or steamed. So with that in mind this collection of both time-honored and newly created microwave compatible favorites is here for you to enjoy – they represent years of mid-week and special occasion eating developed by the author for her husband and herself, for the numerous times when a speedy dish was required to feed a friend at lunch or when eating alone. We hope you will enjoy the selection.
Microwave Cooking for Your Baby & Child: The A B C's of Creating Quick, Nutritious Meals for Little Ones: A Cookbook
by Eileen BehanFrom a noted dietician and mother of two comes the first and only time-efficient baby food cookbook for the busy, caring parent and the little one who wants to eat right now. Baby meals made in the microwave save time, retain vitamins, offer a wide variety of food choices, and entail minimal clean-up since they are cooked in oven-to-table dishes.
Microwave Processing of Foods: Microwaves and Food (Food Engineering Series)
by Shaojin Wang Hosahalli S. Ramaswamy Anubhav Pratap-Singh Ferruh ErdogduThe application of microwaves has been a major advancement in food processing over the past 50 years, and yet to date there have been very few publications focusing exclusively on microwave processing and none covering the latest technological and theoretical advances. Microwave Processing of Foods: Challenges, Advances and Prospects fills this gap by covering all aspects of the microwave processing of foods including the latest novel advances in this fast-moving subject area. This text presents multidisciplinary views of novel microwave systems, novel process modeling, engineering and design, as well as practical approaches on methodology and findings regarding the effect of microwave on the food quality and process safety. The volume comprises several chapters on the newest processing and machinery aspects, engineering design and process modeling, process safety and novel processes based on full or partial application of microwave in food processing. This book also considers economic aspects, food quality issues and future trends of microwave application in the food industry. Each chapter in this text functions as a critical review, presenting the current state of knowledge based on the personal experience of the authors and the current state of published research in one particular area of food processing. While the main focus is on processing, the physical principles and the chemical and microbiological basis of the process are also covered, plus the impact of the technology on the quality and safety of food. This book presents a comprehensive and fully up-to-date reference on the principles and applications of microwave processing of food products.
Microwave Recipes For One
by Annette YatesThe microwave has many advantages over conventional cooking: it's quicker, more economical, cleaner and easier. Microwave ovens take up very little space. They produce fewer cooking smells and less steam, and kitchen/cooking areas remain cool. Annette Yates' book is designed specifically for the person who lives alone, or who has to prepare individual meals for some other reason: perhaps members of the family need to eat at different times or have conflicting tastes and preferences, or perhaps someone is on a special diet which requires food to be cooked separately. Included are recipes for: breakfasts; soups, starters and sauces; fish, meat, poultry, vegetable, cheese, egg and pasta dishes; and desserts - PLUS an indispensable cooking guide which explains how to adapt family recipe instructions to the smaller amounts needed for a single portion.
Microwave Recipes For One
by Annette YatesThe microwave has many advantages over conventional cooking: it's quicker, more economical, cleaner and easier. Microwave ovens take up very little space. They produce fewer cooking smells and less steam, and kitchen/cooking areas remain cool. Annette Yates' book is designed specifically for the person who lives alone, or who has to prepare individual meals for some other reason: perhaps members of the family need to eat at different times or have conflicting tastes and preferences, or perhaps someone is on a special diet which requires food to be cooked separately. Included are recipes for: breakfasts; soups, starters and sauces; fish, meat, poultry, vegetable, cheese, egg and pasta dishes; and desserts - PLUS an indispensable cooking guide which explains how to adapt family recipe instructions to the smaller amounts needed for a single portion.
Midcentury Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from America's Atomic Age
by Cecelia TichiA delightful history of cocktails from the era of new interstate highways, sprouting suburbs, and atomic engineeringAmerica at midcentury was a nation on the move, taking to wings and wheels along the new interstate highways and in passenger jets that soared to thirty thousand feet. Anxieties rippled, but this new Atomic Age promised cheap power and future wonders, while the hallmark of the era was the pleasure of an evening imbibing cocktails in mixed company, a middle-class idea of sophisticated leisure. This new age, stretching from the post–World War II baby boom years through the presidency of General Dwight Eisenhower into the increasingly volatile mid-1960s, promised affordable homes for those who had never dreamed of owning property and an array of gleaming appliances to fill them. For many, this was America at its best—innovation, style, and the freedom to enjoy oneself—and the spirit of this time is reflected in the whimsical cocktails that rose to prominence: tiki drinks, Moscow mules, Sea Breezes, Pina Coladas, Pink Squirrels, and Sloe Gin Fizzes.Of course, not everyone was invited to the party. Though the drinks were getting sweeter, the racial divide was getting more bitter—Black Americans in search of a drink, entertainment, or a hotel room had to depend on the Green Book for advice on places where they would be welcome and safe. And the Cold War and Space Race proceeded ominously throughout this period, as technological advances alternately thrilled and terrified.The third installment in Cecelia Tichi’s tour of the cocktails enjoyed in various historical eras, Midcentury Cocktails brings a time of limitless possibilities to life though the cocktails created, named, and consumed.