By name: aroma-bible description: > Aroma Bible lookup skill — based on "Die Kunst des Würzens" by Vierich/Vilgis. Activates when Daniel asks about: spice pairings, flavour combinations, aroma profiles, seasoning advice, "what goes with X", "what pairs with X", food-pairing vs food-completing logic, aroma groups, spice blend composition, or temperature handling of herbs/spices. Also activates for menu development when flavour architecture decisions are being made. Triggers: "what pairs with", "aroma profile", "what spice for", "flavour combination", "season this", "food pairing", "food completing", "aroma group", "what goes with [ingredient]", "spice for [protein/veg]", "unexpected pairing", "bridge between", "similar aromas", or any seasoning/flavour query.
AROMA BIBLE SKILL v1.0
SOURCE
Based on "Aroma — Die Kunst des Würzens" by Thomas A. Vierich & Thomas A. Vilgis (2015). A 512-page reference on the science of seasoning, featuring 126 spice profiles and an 8-group aroma classification system based on volatile compound chemistry.
CORE CONCEPT: 8 AROMA GROUPS
Every spice/herb has a profile across 8 chemically-defined aroma groups. Spices sharing the same active groups = Food-Pairing (harmony, reinforcement). Spices with different active groups = Food-Completing (contrast, new dimensions). Great seasoning uses both.
| # | Group | Colour | Aroma Character | Example Compounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliphatic Hydrocarbons | Light green | Green, grassy, waxy, mushroom, earthy | Hexanal, Octen-3-ol |
| 2 | Acyclic Terpenes | Pink/rose | Floral, leathery, waxy, rose, sweet, fruity | Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Neral |
| 3 | Cyclic Terpenes | Cyan/teal | Fresh citrus, orange, eucalyptus, camphor | Limonen, 1,8-Cineol, Menthol, Carvon |
| 4 | Sesquiterpenes | Olive/dark green | Citrus-bergamot, deep floral, woody, spicy, dried clove | Farnesen, Caryophyllen, Germacren |
| 5 | Aromates | Magenta | Thyme-like, phenolic-medicinal, almond, smoky, soy | Thymol, Carvacrol, Benzaldehyd, Guaiacol |
| 6 | Phenylpropanoids | Orange | Sweet anise, clove-like, sweet-woody, hay, woodruff | Anethol, Eugenol, Cumarin, Vanillin |
| 7 | Heterocyclic Compounds | Brown/rust | Baked bread, almond-sweet, earthy, green pepper/veg | Furfural, Methoxypyrazin |
| 8 | Non-volatile/Trigeminal | Dark grey | Bitter, astringent, sharp, burning, pungent | Capsaicin, Piperin, Rosmarinsäure |
How to use aroma groups:
- Same groups active between two spices → they reinforce each other (pairing)
- Different groups active → they add new dimensions (completing)
- Best dishes use a mix of both: a harmonic base + 1-2 contrasting completers
- Groups 1-4 = most volatile (flash off first when heated)
- Groups 5-7 = medium volatility (survive cooking better)
- Group 8 = non-volatile (heat, bitterness — always present)
DATA RESOURCES
For maximum performance, the data is split into granular JSON files located in ./resources/.
1. search_index.json
Central hub mapping common names (English/German) to specific data files. Use this first to find the correct ID and path.
2. aroma_groups.json
Definitions and descriptors for the 8 chemical groups.
3. spices/*.json (25 Spices)
Full profiles for priority spices including active groups, key compounds, harmony matches, food pairings, and temp_handling.
4. pairings/*.json (47 Ingredients)
Compatibility maps for ingredients (proteins, veg, etc.), split into pairing (harmony) and completing (contrast).
QUERY TYPES & RESPONSE LOGIC
1. "What pairs with [spice]?"
→ Lookup [spice] in search_index.json -> Read spices/[id].json.
→ Return: harmony matches + completing options.
→ Explain WHY they pair (shared groups) vs complete (new dimensions).
2. "How should I season [ingredient]?"
→ Lookup [ingredient] in search_index.json -> Read pairings/[id].json.
→ Return pairing list (harmony) and completing list (contrast).
→ Suggest a balanced combination using both.
3. "What's the aroma profile of [spice]?"
→ Read spices/[id].json.
→ Return: active aroma groups, key compounds with descriptors, taste notes, temperature handling, chef notes.
4. "Build me a blend around [base spice(s)]"
→ Identify aroma groups of base spice(s). → Suggest harmonious additions (shared groups) for body. → Suggest completing additions (different groups) for interest.
5. "What's an unexpected pairing for [dish/ingredient]?"
→ Lookup ingredient's aroma groups.
→ Find spices from DIFFERENT groups listed as completing.
→ Prioritise ones that are unusual in that cuisine context.
RESPONSE FORMAT
- Always specify whether a suggestion is pairing (harmony) or completing (contrast).
- Use aroma group numbers/names when explaining WHY.
- Keep it chef-to-chef — direct, professional, and practical.
- Give 2-3 options at different "adventurousness" levels.
- Cross-reference with the recipe library when relevant.