Have you ever wondered why some foods are so deliciously savory, leaving you with a satisfied feeling long after you’ve eaten? Chances are you’ve experienced the “umami” taste, also known as the fifth taste.
Umami is a Japanese word meaning “pleasant savory taste”. It was first discovered by a Japanese chemist in 1908, who named it “umami” to describe the taste of his seaweed broth. Since then, scientists have identified umami as one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
But what is umami, exactly? Umami is the taste of glutamate, an amino acid that is found naturally in many foods. When you eat foods that are high in glutamate, your taste buds register the savory taste of umami.
So why is umami so important in the food we eat? For starters, it’s what makes food taste delicious and satisfying. Umami-rich foods like mushrooms, soy sauce, and aged cheeses can make a dish taste more complex and interesting, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
But there’s more to umami than just taste. It turns out that umami has some pretty interesting properties that make it important for our health and wellbeing. For one thing, umami can stimulate digestion and increase saliva production, helping to break down food and improve nutrient absorption.
Umami also has a unique ability to enhance the flavor of other foods, which can be helpful when you’re trying to eat healthier. For example, adding umami-rich ingredients like miso paste or nutritional yeast to a vegetable dish can make it taste more satisfying, reducing your urge to eat less healthy foods.
So where can you find umami in vegan food?
Some common sources of umami flavor
Mushrooms
Shiitake, portobello, and oyster mushrooms are all rich in umami flavor. The beauty in these little knobs is that you can cook them in any way you like, but this burger recipe is one of my favorites.
Soy sauce
Made from fermented soybeans, soy sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines and is known for its rich umami flavor. Try it in these recipes and experience the burst of flavor.
Miso
A fermented soybean paste that is commonly used in Japanese cooking, miso is another great source of umami flavor. Try it in a super comforting miso soup, ideal for those chilly winter nights.
Seaweed
Dried seaweed, such as nori, wakame, and kelp, are all rich in umami flavor and are commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Try them in these fantastic recipes!
Tomatoes
Ripe tomatoes are rich in umami flavor, which is why they are often used as a base for sauces and soups. And nothing beats a hot plate of pasta with a creamy tomato sauce, am I right?
Olives
These briny little fruits are packed with umami flavor, making them a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. You can snack them or use them to make these delicious recipes.
Nutritional yeast
This is a popular ingredient in vegan cooking due to its cheesy, umami flavor. Also packed with vitamins and protein, is the key ingredient in the best mac and no-cheese you’ve ever tried!
Fermented vegetables
Foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are not only good for your gut health, but they also have a great umami flavor. Make sure that your kimchi is vegan as the original recipe calls for fish sauce, or you can make your own with this easy recipe.
In conclusion, umami is an essential taste that can elevate the flavor of any dish. By incorporating umami-rich ingredients into your cooking, you can make your food taste more delicious and satisfying, while also improving your overall health and wellbeing. So go ahead, embrace the power of umami and take your cooking to the next level!