Unexplainable Making Sense: The Umami Mama
Mar 23, 2022
Discover the fascinating journey of umami, the elusive fifth taste, as Kumiko Ninomiya shares her culinary wisdom and scientific insights. Explore its rich history and ongoing validation, and the intriguing idea that even more tastes might exist. Delve into the chemistry behind taste perception and the potential for fat to be classified as a sixth taste. With anecdotes from renowned chefs, this exploration highlights the cultural significance of umami in modern cuisine and the evolving understanding of our taste experiences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Umami Mama's Mission
- Kumiko Ninomiya, nicknamed "Umami Mama," championed the recognition of umami as a fifth basic taste.
- Her decades-long campaign involved scientific research, international symposiums, and culinary demonstrations.
Evolutionary Role of Taste
- Taste plays a crucial role in survival, guiding our food choices.
- Each basic taste (sweet, salty, bitter, sour) historically signaled essential nutrients or potential dangers.
Overcoming Skepticism
- Initially, the campaign for umami faced skepticism, seen as a marketing ploy for MSG.
- Kumiko aimed to change this by promoting scientific research on glutamate and umami.
