The power of umami

UMAMI subtly highlights the flavors of savory dishes. Developments in umami continue to this day since its discovery sometime in 1908. Chefs and researchers are still seeking methods to capture the best umami taste, which is brought about mainly by glutamate and ribonucleotides found in meat, fish, vegetables and dairy. By enhancing umami, food producers can also reduce salt in their products.

Salt of the Earth’s Umami Essence Sea Salt is one of the newer products that boost the umami taste of home-made recipes without the need for monosodium gluatamate (MSG) or salt.

Made with simple ingredients to derive umami, Umami-Essence Sea Salt is a propriety liquid formula derived from tomato extract and pure salt from the Red Sea. The tomato extract provides an exquisite umami taste to emphasize and improve the rich flavor of many recipes, while allowing for 30% less sodium than table salt.

The product was developed at Salt of the Earth’s R&D facilities, with support from Practical Innovation in Israel, a consulting firm for developing innovative products.

“Many consumers seek solutions that will allow them to dramatically reduce sodium in their diet on a daily basis, while keeping the great taste of their food,” said Giorit Carmi, marketing manager of Salt of the Earth. “They don’t want to compromise on flavor, and Umami-Essence Sea Salt can help them easily achieve this goal.”

This novel, all-natural product imparts a distinctive savory taste, without monosodium glutamate (MSG). It can be applied to tomato-based sauces, including: pizza, pasta and meat sauces, as well as soups, salad dressings and vinaigrettes and even savory cocktails. It also is ideal for seasoning meat, such as: barbequed steak, roasted meat and ground beef.

“Umami—the so-called ‘fifth taste’—has become one of today’s hottest culinary trends,” says Carmi. “Consumers demand healthy products without MSG and our Umami Salt fits this niche exactly. It can enhance the natural taste of every dish with its distinct umami flavour, while using 30% less sodium than table salt. It can be used in or even replace soup powders that contain MSG or preservatives. Salt of the Earth is readying for launch more products and ingredients of this line in the following months.”

An award-winning product from Salt of the Earth, Umami Essence Sea Salt took home the SIAL Innovation Selection 2014.