I read this article that says there is a fifth sense of taste called "Umami", which means delicious
or robust in Japanese.
If you are from Asia, you've probably seen the familiar white powder of tiny rectangular crystals in the pantry. The bag adorned with vegetables, and famous red Japanese letters---Ajinomoto!!!! or MSG.
Unless you curiously put some of it on your tongue as a child, or "sprinkle a tad" on everything you eat, like my dad, it's going to be hard to explain this as a taste, let alone a flavor! A chicken bouillon cube is how I would describe it.
When I cook, I always put some in my food, in Filipino food it's a must. I see it as a harmless amino acid. Like soy sauce or ketchup,MSG makes things taste better!
Many people in the United States, where I am from, don't know about this stuff! They think of it as an additive to food that is dangerous,causes cancer, or gives them headaches, and like Chinese food without it.
Any thoughts?
2007-12-13
05:03:54
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11 answers
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asked by
Nicole-e-o
2