Crystal MSGs are crystals. A closer look even in its powder form, MSG is millions of small crystals. THEY DO NOT HAVE TASTE AT ALL but are good flavor enhancers.
Human tongue is consists of “taste buds”, small tiny cells of about 10,000 or so scattered in different parts of tongue’s surface. These “taste buds” are the ones responsible for humans to feel what they are consuming- then these cells send signal to the brain-and brain analyzes what taste it is (sweet, salty, bitter, sour and the latest addition…umami) Women possess more “taste buds” than men. Babies and young ones have more of these and wane as they grow older. They do not actually seize to exist but are just out there-inactive-due to various factors: smoking and alcohol which tend to numb these “buds” faster, unhealthy mouth condition where dirt, grime and leftovers cover these cells until they form part of them and as we grow old through time their taste potency also diminishes. So, the more active “taste buds” the better we grasp the taste of food.
When MSG is added to a recipe, these tiny crystals actually “hones” (in Tagalog…”hinahasa”) or “scrapes” the covering of these “buds” exposing them to the true taste of the food. That’s it, MSG does not impart any flavor or taste but helps us identify specific taste.
CAUTION: not because MSG has that effect, “pilosopo” will claim, “why not put a ton of MSG so we can taste the food really well”, NO!
Put a bit more and be ready to experience ache at the back of your head.
Still, the best ways to revive and/or revitalize “taste buds” are:
1. quit smoking-minimize alcohol intake
2. have a healthy mouth habit
3. when brushing teeth, scrub lightly tip, top and back of tongue
4. …and this is fun, always try to identify the ingredients used in your every intake. Over time…you will be amazed…you are “a food critic”, too.
So far there are only 4 reliable (I hope) MSG manufacturers supplying the world:
1. Aji-No-Moto (Japan) - more of the home directed crystals
2. Vedan (Vietnam) - used by majority of food processors due to its low price and in powder form
3. ADM (USA) - no nonsense best quality and also more on the powder type
4. Unknown China-made (OH HELL! Worst quality. Waste of money)
5. ...there could be other brands somewhere-for sure it's repacked.
Human tongue is consists of “taste buds”, small tiny cells of about 10,000 or so scattered in different parts of tongue’s surface. These “taste buds” are the ones responsible for humans to feel what they are consuming- then these cells send signal to the brain-and brain analyzes what taste it is (sweet, salty, bitter, sour and the latest addition…umami) Women possess more “taste buds” than men. Babies and young ones have more of these and wane as they grow older. They do not actually seize to exist but are just out there-inactive-due to various factors: smoking and alcohol which tend to numb these “buds” faster, unhealthy mouth condition where dirt, grime and leftovers cover these cells until they form part of them and as we grow old through time their taste potency also diminishes. So, the more active “taste buds” the better we grasp the taste of food.
When MSG is added to a recipe, these tiny crystals actually “hones” (in Tagalog…”hinahasa”) or “scrapes” the covering of these “buds” exposing them to the true taste of the food. That’s it, MSG does not impart any flavor or taste but helps us identify specific taste.
CAUTION: not because MSG has that effect, “pilosopo” will claim, “why not put a ton of MSG so we can taste the food really well”, NO!
Put a bit more and be ready to experience ache at the back of your head.
Still, the best ways to revive and/or revitalize “taste buds” are:
1. quit smoking-minimize alcohol intake
2. have a healthy mouth habit
3. when brushing teeth, scrub lightly tip, top and back of tongue
4. …and this is fun, always try to identify the ingredients used in your every intake. Over time…you will be amazed…you are “a food critic”, too.
So far there are only 4 reliable (I hope) MSG manufacturers supplying the world:
1. Aji-No-Moto (Japan) - more of the home directed crystals
2. Vedan (Vietnam) - used by majority of food processors due to its low price and in powder form
3. ADM (USA) - no nonsense best quality and also more on the powder type
4. Unknown China-made (OH HELL! Worst quality. Waste of money)
5. ...there could be other brands somewhere-for sure it's repacked.
