The fifth taste has been discovered and you need to get to know it!
Umami, a Japanese word meaning"tasty" or"delicious", is the fifth basic taste recognized by the human palate, alongside sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Discovered at the beginning of the 20th century by a Japanese scientist, umami is a unique taste sensation, often described as a deep, rich and satisfying flavor, with nuances of meat, mushrooms and aged cheese.
What is Umami?
Umami is perceived mainly through the presence of glutamate, an amino acid naturally present in many foods. When glutamate combines with other compounds, such as IMP and GMP nucleotides, it intensifies the flavors and creates the unique umami sensation.
Where to find Umami?
Umami is present in a variety of foods, both of animal and plant origin. Some of the foods richest in umami include:
- Meat: Beef, poultry, seafood
- Aged cheeses: Parmesan, romano, cheddar
- Mushrooms: Shiitake, porcini
- Ripe tomatoes
- Soy: Soy sauce, tofu
- Fermented vegetables: Sauerkraut, kimchi
Umami in the Kitchen
Umami plays a key role in world cuisine. By enhancing the natural flavors of food, umami makes it possible to create more complex and tasty dishes with less added salt. Chefs and cooks all over the world exploit umami to develop new recipes and culinary techniques.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive widely used to enhance the flavor of food. Although MSG is often associated with adverse reactions, scientific studies have found no consistent evidence that it causes health problems in most people. However, some people may be sensitive to MSG, experiencing symptoms such as headaches and nausea.
Umami: Much More than a Flavor
Umami is not just a taste sensation, but also a complete sensory experience. The combination of umami with other tastes and aromas creates a symphony of flavors that can take any dish to the next level. By understanding umami, we can better appreciate the complexity of food and explore new culinary possibilities.
In other words:
Umami is a fundamental flavor that enriches our gastronomic experience. By understanding what umami is and where to find it, we can create tastier and more nutritious dishes.
Ready for a new experience?
Here are some recipes from Petitchef where you'll find Umami. Happy discovering!
