So, what is this new umami taste anyway?

You keep hearing about it.  Suddenly, out of the blue, there’s a new flavor.  It’s umami, a Japanese word that means a “pleasant, savory taste”.  Foods with an umami flavor have a brothy or meaty essence that’s long-lasting, mouth-watering and leaves a coating sensation over the tongue.  The source of the taste is a high level of glutamate, an amino acid.  Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and have critical roles in your health.  The umami taste is found in meats, dairy, fish, mushrooms, miso and vegetables.  Ketchup is an umami flavor.  Since umami is readily sensed in foods with high levels of protein, detecting it is critical for survival.  Umami-rich foods are more filling and curb your appetite.  Move over sweet, salty, bitter and sour, there’s a new taste in town.