Umami

Many of the ingredients that are consumed daily are rich in Umami, naturally occurring glutamate. It can be found in meats, vegetables, and fish. For example, shellfish, cured meat, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, fermented and aged products like cheese, soy sauce, and more. While the Japanese word Umami has only been identified in the early 1900s, cuisines around the World for centuries have embraced its concept, for example, in Italy “Pasta with Parmesan and Tomato Sauce”, in Thailand or Vietnam “Stir Fry with Soy Sauce or Fish Sauce”, and in Russia “Beef Stock with Beets and Beef” are all high in Umami.

“Umami” is also called the fifth Taste besides sour, sweet, bitter, and salty. It is often described as a mouth filling, meaty, and pleasant savory taste with a lasting, mouthwatering, and coating sensation on the tongue. Natural occurrences of glutamate (MSG) draw out the flavors of ingredients which allows you to create well-balanced dishes without strong seasoning for a healthier lifestyle.

We love the flavors of Umami and that’s exactly what we like and what we eat! Umami is an integral part of our daily cooking and you really taste the difference. The food is much more balanced and tastier without big seasoning.

I personally think that in the coming years Umami will become an essential taste in healthy daily home cooking because it gives you the opportunity to create delicious dishes with natural local ingredients. For me, it perfectly summarizes what my cooking is all about and what I stand for:

You are what you eat!

Locally sourced Umami-rich ingredients help me create healthy and well balanced recipes, and the inspiration is about creating balance and harmony between all ingredients.

“Umami is by no means the only key to deliciousness, and it remains somewhat mysterious – it’s a more complex sensation than the other tastes, and seems to depend on them to be fully appreciated. An acquaintance with Umami has become essential for the modern professional cook, and for anyone who wants to enjoy food to the fullest.” Harold McGee

Let’s start and create Umami!

Enjoy, Melanie…