2006-12-31 06:11:19 · 12 answers · asked by brickhammer 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Its a food additive sometimes called MSG or Flavor Enhancer 621 - lots of people are allergic to it. It improves the flavor of a dish (in the same way salt does) and tenderises meat in marinades. It's often used in Asian cooking and is the reason why Take Out Chinese meat is so velvety tender mmm!
There's no substitute for it as far as I know - I wish there was my partner is allergic but I love how it enhances Asian food.
2006-12-31 06:14:07 · answer #1 · answered by Carrie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Interesting - I almost never buy things with added MSG and there's only a couple brands of soups I don't like. One thing I almost never like is low sodium or sodium free, but I don't notice a difference between if it has MSG or if it doesn't. I don't know what a good substitute is, but I've noticed a lot of things that would normally have MSG but don't have disodium inosinate and another one that sounds pretty much the same. I don't know if they are any "better" or whatever though. If you are cooking for yourself and are wanting to sub MSG for something then I guess you'll have to follow the other answerers' advice. But otherwise I'd just shop around with different brands - try some organic brands because they never have MSG, and Campbell's now as a new line of soups that are MSG free and what I've tried was yummy. For broth when I make rice and soups I use a product called Better than Boullion - the organic vegetable variety - and that works well for me (it comes in a little jar). For "seasonings" I can't really help because other than the occasional garlic & herb Mrs. Dash I don't use pre-mixed spices. Good luck!
2016-05-22 23:59:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
MSG is sold as Accent in the stores and Meat tenderizers may have it- check those labels.
It is used to enahance the flavor and keep vegetables greener when cooking.
You can use salt as a substitute.
MSG has been associated with different bad health problems incuding headaches and long term effects like cancer.
It used to be a common additive in restaurants- Now you can ask to make sure it isn't added.
Most places will say if MSG is added but it is best to ask.
2006-12-31 06:30:24 · answer #3 · answered by Bobyns 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The concerns over MSG and human reactivity are subject to skepticism and scrutiny, as some instances of reactivity to the compound have suffered from cultural sensationalism (i.e. the culture that wants to sue everyone for everything).
A common variety of MSG is known by the name brand "Accent", and is used to bring about a certain flavor in foods called "umami".
2006-12-31 06:20:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"MSG" is both a flavor enhancer and a preservative. It is an addictive chemical, which is why you find it in almost all processed foods. (The food companies want you to buy more of their food, so they put it in there to keep you buying more and more of it). When checking ingredients, it can be listed as "flavoring" or "modified food starch." I am very allergic to MSG and break out in a rash all over my body and have breathing difficulties when I eat food that contains it. Personally, I like the taste of MSG, but it definitely does not like me!
2006-12-31 11:11:33 · answer #5 · answered by Laura O. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is basically the sodium based salty ingredient in food items like soy sauce. A healthier substitute for MSG is sea salt. It is significantly lower in sodium and has not been said to cause cancer.
2006-12-31 06:18:53 · answer #6 · answered by hotrodgirl1973 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a naturally occuring type of sodium which contains large amounts of 'umami' flavour, meaning it enhances the savoury flavours of other ingredients. You can get branded varieties of 'flavour powder' from oriental stores. I believe there is also a brand called Accent which is widely available. It is not an essential ingredient and can be left out of any dish if you cant find it.
There is no proven link between MSG and cancer at all.
2006-12-31 06:17:14 · answer #7 · answered by penny century 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
something that will makes cancer grows on you if u use it too often. chinese restaurant are notorious from using this thing.
MSG make your food tastes better, kids love it so much.
you will find MSG in chips, instant noodle ( or at least its in every asian noodle except the one says "no msg"), corned beef, etc.
substitute it with pinches of sugar and or broth/stock.
2006-12-31 06:17:12 · answer #8 · answered by facobasten1984 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
MSG is a flavour enhancer, If you don't want to use it, just elliminate it. It is not necessary. In fact, it can be dangerous to some people, it gives some of us major migraines when its in our food.
2006-12-31 06:15:24 · answer #9 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Substitute for MSG is salt.
2006-12-31 06:18:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋