Another Word For Umami

Meaning

Umami is one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. The word "umami" comes from Japanese, and it translates to "savory" or "delicious." It is often associated with the taste of foods that are rich in glutamate, an amino acid found in proteins. Common sources of umami include foods like tomatoes, mushrooms, aged cheeses, soy sauce, and meats. This flavor enhances the overall taste of dishes and can add depth and richness to culinary creations.

Synonyms

• Savory
• Delicious
• Flavorful
• Rich
• Tasty

Antonyms

• Bland
• Unappetizing
• Tasteless
• Flavorless
• Insipid

Etymology

The word "umami" comes from the Japanese language, where it is derived from "umai," meaning "delicious" or "savory." It was first identified as a distinct taste by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908, who was studying the flavor of kombu seaweed.

Examples

1. The umami flavor in the mushroom risotto made it incredibly satisfying.
2. Adding soy sauce to the dish enhanced its umami characteristics.
3. Many chefs seek to balance sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami flavors in their recipes.
4. Aged cheeses are known for their strong umami taste, making them a favorite in gourmet dishes.
5. The deep, rich umami flavors of the broth made the ramen irresistible.