COOKING GLOSSARY
A dictionary of culinary terms
Umami
Product links will take you to our affiliate partner websites. We may earn a commission on purchases.
Definition:
Umami is one of the five basic tastes (along with sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and saltiness). It’s often described as being “savoury” or “mouth-watering”. The taste is activated by glutamate taste receptors in the mouth. Glutamate is found in foods such as tomatoes, cheeses, meats, and fermented foods. It can also be added to food in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG).
