Which foods are high in umami?

Question

Which foods are high in umami ("savoriness") and how can I cook them to maximize the umami taste?

score 15 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 19 '10 at 14:12

Umami comes from a very specific source: Glutamates and glutamic acid. MSG is a glutamate, so it is one of the best ways to add a bit of umami.

Meat, Kombu seaweed (used to make Dashi, and hence Dashi), mushrooms, onions, cheeses, soy and other beans, most high-protein foods.

Here is a quick list. Most are prepared foods, but it should give you an idea.

score 5 · Answer 2 · edited Aug 11 '15 at 10:07

5

Marmite / Vegemite contain autolyzed yeast extract, which is a very high source of umami. These spreads are therefore also great for bringing out savory flavours.

edited Aug 11 '15 at 10:07

BaffledCook

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answered Jul 19 '10 at 14:11

Ian Turner

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score 3 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 19 '10 at 14:50

3

Anchovies
Parmesan cheese
Fish
Meat

answered Jul 19 '10 at 14:50

Electric Monk

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score 2 · Answer 4 · answered Jul 19 '10 at 14:11

2

The insides of Tomato's are high. Heston Blumanthal has a recipe for Tomatoe Ketchup that makes use of this.

answered Jul 19 '10 at 14:11

Ian Turner

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score -1 · Answer 5 · answered Jul 20 '10 at 00:48

-1

Miso. Yummy, too.

answered Jul 20 '10 at 00:48

offby1

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Which foods are high in umami?

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