What is umami?

Umami is one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. It is often described as a savory or meaty flavor. Umami is a Japanese word that means "pleasant savory taste" and was identified by a Japanese scientist in the early 20th century who discovered that glutamate, a type of amino acid, was responsible for the umami flavor prevalent in many foods.

The taste receptor for umami responds to glutamate, which is commonly found in meats, broths, and some vegetables like tomatoes and mushrooms. This receptor's role is crucial in signaling the presence of proteins in food, enhancing the savory flavor that many people enjoy 1.