When was our 5th Taste Bud Discovered?
Did you ever know except for the major 4 taste buds, our tongue can taste Umami too?
Umami taste receptor is responsible for the savory taste of foods such as seaweed, cured fish, aged cheeses, and meats.
- Glutamate
The 5th taste bud first discovered by a Japanese professor named Kikunae Ikeda in 1908. He discovered the taste of Umami contributed by the glutamate that is found in kelp seaweed or dried skipjack fish. Glutamate is naturally present in most of the meat, seafood, and vegetables. He also detected the taste is more clearly in soups and “dashi” (Japanese soup stock)that prepared from kelp or dried skipjack.
- Guanylate
Besides that, one of the important Umami substance nucleotides, guanylate. Guanylate has been identified by Kuninaka via the biochemical degradation of yeast RNA. Guanylate was found to occur naturally in dried shiitake mushrooms that widely use in Japanese and Chinese cooking.
The combination of guanylate and glutamate can promote their synergetic effect. So, shiitake mushroom usually is added into dishes to increase the Umami taste of the dishes.
Effects of Umami on Foods
Umami makes a variety of foods palatable, however, Umami by itself is not particularly palatable. From the result, not all the food have increased their palatability. Dishes such as meat, fish, canned vegetables were the most improved, whereas cereals, milk products, and sweet-flavored dishes were not improved.
To enhance the Umami flavor in your dishes, you can cook with Love Earth Natural Mushroom Seasoning as it is made from 100% natural shiitake mushroom. This mushroom seasoning is the best and healthier option for seasoning. Providing you and your loved ones healthy and delicious meal at all times!
Written By:
Liow Pui Kee
[BCs (Hons) Nutrition with Wellness Student]
[UCSI University]
Reviewed By:
Jasmine Lim
(Love Earth Nutritionist)
#LoveEarth #LoveLife #LoveOrganic
