monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), white crystalline substance, a sodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid, that is used to intensify the natural flavour of certain foods. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an important ingredient in the cuisines of China and Japan and is used commercially in broths, soups, canned and frozen vegetables, flavouring and spice blends, gravies, meats, poultry, and sauces and in other combinations. It is also used to enhance the taste of tobacco and has been used medically to treat hepatic . The substance is naturally present at high levels in tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.

Application

With the glycine, fumaric acid, malic acid, sodium glutamate can produce various properties of the compound flavor material, which is widely used in all kinds of food.

monosodium glutamate Taste

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and certain other amino acids, especially when paired with the nucleotide 5′ inosine monophosphate or 5′ guanine monophosphate, elicit a taste termed umami, now recognized as a fifth taste quality independent of sweet, sour, salty, or bitter. The human detection threshold for MSG is 0.7–3 mmol−1. Umami is a preferred taste, and MSG is a common food additive for animal and human consumption. MSG occurs naturally in many foods and is particularly abundant in protein-rich foods, notably cheeses and meats. There are multiple molecular receptor mechanisms for detecting sodium glutamate which will be described below.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a synthetic salt form of a nonessential amino acid commonly used as a food additive to provide and enhance savory and meaty, or so called “umami” taste

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is produced from a natural fermentation process using sugar and starch, it forms approximately 20% of normal dietary protein.

Appearance and production

MSG is a bright, white powder similar to salt.
Manufacturers now typically produce it by fermenting starch, sugar cane, or molasses. This fermentation process is similar to the method that people use to make vinegar, wine, and yogurt. It naturally produces MSG, which manufacturers then purify and dry.

Uses in food

he following food products may also contain MSG:

frozen meals and processed meats, such as:
bacon
pastrami
pepperoni
sausages
lunch meats
smoked meat products
hamburgers
cold cuts
salami
sauces and dressings, such as:
ketchup
mayonnaise
barbecue sauce
salad dressing
soy sauce
mustard
soup bases, such as bouillon cubes and granulated powders
snacks, such as potato chips
seasonings
spices
bodybuilding protein powder
fast food, such as:
chicken nuggets
burgers
fried chicken