Ajinomoto is the Japanese company that owns the patent for the Mono Sodium Glucamate (MSG). This is ignorantly referred to as Ajinomoto which is the name of the company that happens to sell many different food products under various brand names. So let's call it MSG henceforth. MSG is indeed an amazing additive which I believe everybody should have in their cup boards. (Are you serious? Isn't it supposed to be bad for your health? Hmm.. Read on)
MSG occurs naturally in Seaweed (Kelp Or Kombu in Japanese), in legumes (Dhal in India), Tomatoes & Mushrooms giving them a very unique taste. The MSG is made naturally by fermenting carbohydrates using special yeasts. Well very safe isn't it? It is even safe for pregnant ladies if used in moderation. The only reason it needs to be consumed in moderation is because of the high sodium content. This glutamate are also produced by us as a part of our daily metabolism process. Enuf of the science and facts.
What does MSG do to your food?
MSG brings out the complete natural taste of the ingredients which our palates do not feel, as the food we eat is completely not ripened during cooking. MSG takes care of the ripening in a natural way to bring out the full flavor (also called Umami) of the ingredients.
Umami is supposed to be the Sixth taste sense, other 5 being spicy, sweet, sour, bitter, salty.
Is MSG suited only for Japanese, Chinese food?
No. Use them in all the cuisines and experiment. It is a white crystalline powder that does not have any flavour of it's own but brings out the flavours that we do not get to taste in a typical meal.
Well next time, try using them in when you make your favorite Indian, French Or the special stew from Papua New Guinea (usually a pinch of MSG would suffice). Taste your food as you cook and you will know what you have been missing.. :)
Note: Buy only the MSG manufactured by Ajinomoto Corporation.
