glutamate

Everyday

1. (science) A natural substance found in many foods such as tomatoes, cheese and mushrooms; it gives the savoury taste called umami. tree →
2. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a salt of it added to food to make it taste more savoury. tree →
3. (biology) A chemical messenger that nerve cells in the brain use to pass signals. tree →

In the lessons

Comes up in science lessons about taste (the five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami) and on food labels. Phrases: monosodium glutamate, MSG, flavour enhancer.

Examples

• Parmesan cheese is rich in natural glutamate. tree →
• Monosodium glutamate is often written as MSG on packets. tree →
• Glutamate gives food the savoury taste called umami. tree →
• Ripe tomatoes contain more glutamate than green ones. tree →
• Some crisps have glutamate added as a flavour enhancer. tree →
• Your brain uses glutamate to send messages between nerve cells. tree →

Note

Say GLOO-ta-mate. Countable in science (glutamates) but usually uncountable for food. Myth: many people think MSG is harmful; scientific reviews have found it safe for most people in normal amounts. Related: glutamic acid.