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Inaugural World Umami Forum is World-Class!

By September 26, 2018May 11th, 2023MSG, The Umami Connection
World Umami Forum

Umami, the proven fifth taste, has enjoyed a fascinating and stellar history since its discovery in 1908. One of the high points in umami’s 110-year timeline is the World Umami Forum, which took place in New York City, September 20-21, 2018.

This inaugural conference attracted food science experts, renowned researchers, food historians, journalists, registered dietitians, and culinary professionals from around the world. Participants left the meeting with a deeper understanding and appreciation of umami and its essential role in cuisine, and learned about the extensive science that refutes urban myths about monosodium glutamate (aka MSG or “umami seasoning”).

Takaaki Nishii, CEO and President of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Aji), opened up the forum by stating, “As the world celebrates the 110th anniversary of the discovery of umami, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. – the world’s first and leading manufacturer of MSG – is excited to continue to bring delicious flavor to global cuisines. MSG, the purest form of umami, was introduced to the U.S. market in 1917 with a vision of a new way to bring taste to everyone’s kitchen.”

Aji’s mission, said Mr. Nishii, is to “improve nutrition through delicious meals, and science shows MSG is an important ingredient for this purpose.”

The master of ceremonies was Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern), the popular chef and television personality. Chef Zimmern observed that when it comes to controversial food topics (e.g., Are eggs linked to heart disease?, Do artificial sweeteners stimulate a craving for sweets?, Can you over-consume protein?, etc.) too often the conversation doesn’t start with open minds. And he emphasized that based on his experience someone’s emotions or feelings can be a barricade to facts, that people often have contempt for something before they’ve even investigated it.

Emotions enemy of facts

The World Umami Forum featured thought-stimulating topics and an impressive lineup of presenters, who are recognized experts in their respective fields.

Chef Zimmern explained how umami’s origin is Japanese but its “craveability” and use in cooking around the world is universal. (See world map of umami-rich foods.)

Several presenters observed that the human preference for umami taste begins in infancy, probably due to the high levels of glutamate, an amino acid, in mother’s milk. They also noted that the glutamate from MSG seasoning and the glutamate occurring naturally in foods such as tomatoes and parmesan cheese is exactly the same. The body treats glutamate in the same way no matter what its source.

Human milk high in free glutamate

Presenters also discussed the role of umami in nutrition, focusing on the latest research evaluating the benefits of umami for appetite control and even calorie reduction, as well as the role of MSG in a reduced-sodium diet.

Healthier soup with umami

Umami marker for protein

Reduce salt in your diet

MSG reduces sodium

Differences in tastes

Umami Culinary Competition

Poached Abalone umami recipeDuring the conference, the United States of Umami Culinary Competition, a contest among top culinary students, was in full swing, captured in live streaming video from the Institute of Culinary Education. Six finalists prepared a signature umami dish, which was judged for technique and taste. Nick Lee, a student chef at the International Culinary Center, won the grand prize – an all-expenses-paid culinary trip to Japan – with his Butter Poached Abalone, served with roasted mushroom risotto and oven dried tomatoes (recipe).

From the MSGdish Team we can wholeheartedly say that the World Umami Forum was an inspirational and educational umami love-fest… and we can’t wait for the next World Umami Forum!

Learning Opportunities:

Here are a few materials of interest, distributed at the World Umami Forum, and suitable for downloading:

 

The MSGdish Team's goal is to provide timely and important information about glutamate, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and the many culinary creations inspired by “umami" while connecting these topics to facts about food, taste, and health. The MSGdish Team is comprised of TGA staff professionals who are recognized as experts in science-based nutrition communications. Read more on the About page.

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