Fresh and flavorful

Author: Zhang Enlai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-07
Features: Umami is the sensation produced by the stimulation of taste buds by certain substances such as amino acids, organic acids, etc., inherent in cooking ingredients or generated during heating. Umami requires the presence of salt to fully manifest its flavor, hence umami seasonings are generally not used alone but are often combined with salty seasonings or other seasonings to form composite umami flavors. Umami can make dishes milder and more delicious, enhancing appetite, so in cooking, people often use umami ingredients and seasonings to achieve good seasoning effects. Umami ingredients and seasonings can generally be divided into three major categories: plant-based umami seasonings such as MSG, bamboo shoot powder, mushroom powder, mushroom oil, scallion oil, yellow wine, vegetable broth, etc.; animal-based umami seasonings such as oyster sauce, fish sauce, shrimp oil, shrimp paste, chicken fat, shrimp roe, crab oil, chicken essence, clam oil, meat broth, etc.; and other composite umami seasonings such as soy sauce king, Thousand Island dressing, aromatic juice, ham juice, scallion sauce, pan-fry sauce, XO sauce, fried fish sauce, etc.