Proceedings abstracts
Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):719S-722S
Glutamate: from discovery as a food flavor to role as a basic taste (umami)
Kurihara K

In 1908 Kikunae Ikeda identified the unique taste component of konbu (kelp) as the salt of glutamic acid and coined the term umami to describe this taste. After Ikeda's discovery, other umami taste substances, such as inosinate and guanylate, were identified. Over the past several decades, the properties of these umami substances have been characterized. Recently, umami has been shown to be the fifth basic taste, in addition to sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

Providing up-to-date information about glutamate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and umami, including the flavor and taste of monosodium glutamate, as well as the role glutamate plays in our food and our bodies, and its nutritional benefits. IGIS bases its information on the extensive body of scientific evidence which confirms the safety and the benefits of these widely used food ingredients – glutamate and MSG.