MSG
Savory additive abbreviation
MSG is monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer used in cooking that intensifies savory, umami taste.
Common in Asian cuisines and processed foods, MSG has been controversially blamed for headaches and other symptoms, though scientific evidence for "MSG sensitivity" remains weak: The restaurant advertises no added MSG. (Lowercase msg is an abbreviation for message.)
Appetizing, not sweet
- umamiFifth taste sensation
- flavor enhancerSubstance improving taste
- deliciousnessState of tasting superb
- richnessState of abundance
depth · mouthfeel · savoriness · brothy · satisfying · complexity · taste buds · palate
Granular Italian grating cheese
- tomatoesRed fleshy fruits
- mushroomsSpore-bearing fruiting bodies
- soy sauceFermented bean condiment
- misoFermented legume paste
fish sauce · anchovies · kombu · nori · dashi · Worcestershire sauce · oyster sauce · kimchi
Food from Tokyo's homeland
- stir-fryQuick-cook in hot oil
- ramenJapanese noodle soup
- phoInformal fake spelling
- fried riceStir-cooked grain dish
dumplings · hot pot · dim sum · takeout · wok · curry · soup base · marinades
Immune system's hostile response
- fearmongeringDeliberately spreading exaggerated threats
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
- debunkedExposed as fraudulent
- racismPrejudice based on ethnicity
xenophobia · public perception · stigma · rehabilitation · sensitivity · headache
Protein's molecular subunit
- chemical compoundBonded atoms forming substance
- molecular formulaNotation showing atomic composition
- solubleAble to dissolve
- hydrolysisWater-induced bond cleavage
fermentation · water-soluble · granules · powder · crystals
savory
Appetizing, not sweet
- umamiFifth taste sensation
- flavor enhancerSubstance improving taste
- deliciousnessState of tasting superb
richness · depth · mouthfeel · savoriness · brothy · satisfying · complexity · taste buds · palate · seasoning
parmesan
Granular Italian grating cheese
miso · fish sauce · anchovies · kombu · nori · dashi · Worcestershire sauce · oyster sauce · kimchi · Bovril
Japanese cuisine
Food from Tokyo's homeland
fried rice · dumplings · hot pot · dim sum · takeout · wok · curry · soup base · marinades · snack foods
allergic reaction
Immune system's hostile response
- fearmongeringDeliberately spreading exaggerated threats
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
- debunkedExposed as fraudulent
racism · xenophobia · public perception · stigma · rehabilitation · sensitivity · headache
amino acid
Protein's molecular subunit
- chemical compoundBonded atoms forming substance
- molecular formulaNotation showing atomic composition
- solubleAble to dissolve
hydrolysis · fermentation · water-soluble · granules · powder · crystals
- additivesfood coloring, stabilizer, emulsifier, plasticizers, flavor enhancer
- food additivesemulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colorants, calcium silicate, lecithin
- NYC InstitutionsColumbia University, CUNY, NYPD, FDNY, MTA
- MSG controversyumami, headaches, migraines, Chinese food, Asian food
- Glutamates
- glutamateumami
MSGfresh herbs
Recently harvested culinary plants
sea salt · Himalayan salt · whole foods · fermented foods · aged cheese
MSGblandness
Absence of distinctive qualities
unseasoned · plain · tasteless · unflavored · palate cleanser
- send msgTransmit written communication