The Fifth Taste: Unlocking Umami

A: Hey, have you ever heard of this word — umami?

B: Umami? Not really. What does it mean?

A: It’s a kind of taste. You know — sweet, sour, salty, bitter… and umami!

B: Oh right, like in good meals?

A: Exactly! It’s that rich, savory flavor. Japanese food is full of umami.

B: Hmm… maybe in soy sauce or mushrooms?

A: Yeah! That makes sense. I think it was first discovered in Japan, around a hundred years ago.

B: Wow. I didn’t know that. I guess it’s made by some kind of natural chemical?

A: Yep, something called glutamate. When you eat tomatoes or cheese, you can kind of taste it.

B: I see. So umami makes food taste more satisfying, right?

A: Exactly! It’s like when you have fried rice with soy sauce — you just can’t stop eating.

B: Haha, totally! Now I’m hungry. Let’s grab lunch!