Soy Stuff
Posted
Sun, 07/27/08
Kikkoman is advertising their soy sauce with a slogan entitled "Discover Umami." Before reading the e-mail newsletter flyer in my inbox last week, I had never heard of umami but now realize it is part of the soy sauce makeup.
According to Wikipedia, Umami is defined as:
A Japanese word meaning savory, a "deliciousness" factor deriving specifically from detection of the natural amino acid, glutamic acid, or glutamates common in meats, cheese, broth, stock, and other protein-heavy foods. The action of umami receptors explains why foods treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG) often taste "heartier."
Heartier maybe, but it does not sound healthier. I've always liked MSG in my Asian food, although some people get headaches after eating dishes containing the ingredient.
And from Kikkoman:
The magic of Kikkoman's secret recipe is "umami," Japanese for "savory sensation." Umami is a fifth taste we can perceive, along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Umami gives Kikkoman's naturally brewed soy sauce its special, unique flavor.
Yum.
Tags: Dips, Dressings & Sauces;
Japan
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