Environmental Nutrition: What is umami?
Q: What is umami?
A: Umami is the fifth flavor (in addition to sweet, salty, sour and bitter), discovered in Japan over 100 years ago. The term, umami, meaning “delicious,” encompasses a flavor profile of savory, brothy, rich or meaty taste sensation. This complex flavor experience helps to deepen or complete flavors and aromas and improve mouthfeel. Foods that provide the umami flavoring include parmesan cheese, tomatoes, meat, fish, dried shitake mushrooms, along with soy sauce and fermented sauces from grains, fish sauce, and more. The use of umami is important for a range of reasons including:
(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)
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