glutamates
MSG and relatives
Glutamates are salts of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in many foods.
The most familiar is monosodium glutamate (MSG), used as a flavor enhancer that intensifies savory, meaty taste—what the Japanese call umami.
Foods naturally high in glutamates include aged cheeses, tomatoes, soy sauce, and fermented fish sauces.
The rich flavor comes from free glutamates in the broth.
Organic compounds forming proteins
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- excitatoryPromoting neural activation
- receptorsProteins binding specific molecules
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
neurons · central nervous system · brain function · neuroplasticity · metabolism · protein synthesis · enzymes · molecular biology
Appetizing, not sweet
- taste receptorCell detecting flavors
- mouthfeelOral texture perception
- richnessState of abundance
- depthDistance below surface
meatiness · savoriness · deliciousness · palate · gustation · tongue · tastebuds · parmesan
Umami compound, abbreviated
- flavor enhancerSubstance improving taste
- yeast extractConcentrated fermentation residue
- seasoningSubstance improving food taste
- food labelingProduct ingredient disclosure system
processed foods · instant noodles · bouillon cubes · soup base · condiment
amino acids
Organic compounds forming proteins
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- excitatoryPromoting neural activation
- receptorsProteins binding specific molecules
synapse · neurons · central nervous system · brain function · neuroplasticity · metabolism · protein synthesis · enzymes · molecular biology · neuroscience
savory
Appetizing, not sweet
- taste receptorCell detecting flavors
- mouthfeelOral texture perception
- richnessState of abundance
depth · meatiness · savoriness · deliciousness · palate · gustation · tongue · tastebuds · parmesan · aged cheese
MSG
Umami compound, abbreviated
- flavor enhancerSubstance improving taste
- yeast extractConcentrated fermentation residue
- seasoningSubstance improving food taste
food labeling · processed foods · instant noodles · bouillon cubes · soup base · condiment
- anionic surfactantsSDS, sulfonate, carboxylate, soap
- tastantssucrose, glucose, fructose, sodium chloride, citric acid
- meat sciencemyoglobin, collagen, muscle fibers, rigor mortis, marbling
glutamatessugars
Sweet edible carbohydrates
sweeteners · acids · quinine · citric acid · capsaicin
glutamatessugars
Sweet edible carbohydrates
fats · lipids · carbohydrates · triglycerides · starches
glutamatesGABA
Inhibitory brain neurotransmitter
glycine · sedatives · depressants · benzodiazepines · anxiolytics
- monosodium glutamateFlavor-boosting food additive