Chapter 1
The magic mold
View / Create
Answer
Chapter 2
The craft of miso
View / Create
Answer
Chapter 3
The science of umami
View / Create
Answer
Chapter 4
The global fermentation revolution
View / Create
Answer
YOUR GOAL
Master of Koji and the umami revolution
Ch 3 · The science of umami
Fun Fact
Savory multiplication: Combining glutamate with nucleotides makes food taste up to eight times more savory than eating them separately!
Glossary
umami (noun)
A savory taste, one of the five basic tastes, associated with glutamates and meaty flavors. In 1908, Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda first identified this taste sensation while analyzing kombu seaweed broth.
A savory taste, one of the five basic tastes, associated with glutamates and meaty flavors. In 1908, Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda first identified this taste sensation while analyzing kombu seaweed broth.
Quiz
In what year did researchers first identify a specific umami taste receptor on the human tongue?
Quiz
From which traditional Japanese broth ingredient was the first umami molecule isolated?
Quiz
What is the name of the commercial seasoning patented in 1909 to bring umami to home kitchens?
Quiz
Which of these natural foods contains exceptionally high levels of free glutamate?
Quiz
When glutamate is combined with nucleotides, by how much can the savory flavor multiply?
Quiz
What evolutionary purpose did the ability to taste umami serve for early humans?