What is Monosodium Glutamate?
Monosodium glutamate, more commonly referred to as MSG is an additive used to enhance the flavor of food. It is naturally occurring in tomatoes, parmesan and a variety of other foods. Lab made MSG is made from fermenting starch, such as molasses or sugar beets. The result is a crystalline substance made of short, thin slivers that are white and somewhat translucent. It is commonly used in meat and Chinese food to enhance the umami flavor.