Therefore, the meaning of Aji-no-moto could also be identified as “Refiner of Taste” or “Taste Refiner. And so the literal meaning is “essence of taste.” Yet the contextual meaning of Moto also refers to refining and enhancing. The word Aji-no-moto gives a compound meaning derived from each Chinese character: Aji – Taste, no – of, Moto – Essence.
His aims were to extract the flavor-causing compound as a stable solid, and also to commercialize the process, which resulted in the establishment of the popular brand “Aji-no-moto” ( 味の素 ) in 1917. The flavor enhancing component was determined to be the Glutamate ion and was extracted as its Single Sodium salt Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). This new class of flavor is now widely accepted as the fifth taste. Moreover, he learnt that the addition of Kombu would likely enhance the overall flavor of the broth, and thus named this new unknown class of flavor as “Umami”, which translates roughly into ‘savory’ in Japanese.
This review thus intends to distinguish science from myths of MSG.ĭuring the early 1900s, Kikunae Ikeda, a Professor of Chemistry at the Tokyo Imperial University of Japan, conducted a series of tests on a popular seaweed known as Kombu ( Laminaria japonica), an ingredient of many Japanese cuisine, after noticing that whenever Kombu was assimilated with the Japanese broth Dashi it produces savory-like taste, which did not fit into any of the scientifically described basic tastes at that time: sweet, sour, salty, or bitter. This social perception encouraged examination of scientific literature of MSG. This raised alarm in the country that MSG is not only carcinogenic, as previously claimed, but also is extremely toxic and thus it causes bone decay, cancer etc. In the recent past, MSG gained attention in Sri Lankan media after revelation of alleged usage of it as an effective substitute to the notorious herbicide Glyphosate which was banned from importing. Unlike other countries do, Sri Lanka generally perceives completely different beliefs about MSG. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), better known as ‘Aji-no-moto’, has confronted with tremendously discussed culinary myths. Most of these beliefs lack scientific evidence or explanations and are strictly based on either hypothetical or isolated incidents which everyone claims as “thus have I heard”. For instance, many Sri Lankans tend to believe that and foreign foodstuffs are unhealthy and thus their consumption cause cancer, infertility, and bone decay etc. Extreme social beliefs are often caused by hoaxes which pass down from generations. However, controversies prevail among the commoner either due to extreme social beliefs or complexity of scientific explanations to those phenomena. But along with scientific advancement, human kind learned to scientifically explain some of these phenomena. An optimum amount of AJI-NO-MOTO® is enough to provide rich Umami taste.Commonly called food myths such as “chocolate is an aphrodisiac”, “garlic induces fever when kept under one’s armpit” and many other are heard from every corner of the world since the beginning of the human order. Avoid Wastage - AJI-NO-MOTO® is a ‘self-limiting’ seasoning.
With the usage of AJI-NO-MOTO®, we are able to promote a healthier life of the elderly by improving their appetite, thus increasing their food intake and improve their nutrient absorption. Promote Nutrient Intake Of Elderly - As human grow older, the taste buds are getting less sensitive. By using a small amount of AJI-NO-MOTO®, salt intake can be reduced by as much as 20 – 30% while maintaining the food’s palatability.
Reduce Salt/Sodium Intake In Daily Diet - AJI-NO-MOTO® contains only 12% of sodium while the table salt contains 40%. Enhance The Flavour Of Food - With the usage of AJI-NO-MOTO®, it enhances the flavour of the foods and harmonises all the taste on the meal to give a balance and rich flavour that whet the appetite for the next bite. Aji-No-Moto’s (meaning Essence of Taste in Japanese) products can boost the umami taste of your dishes, giving them a deliciously tasty edge that is easy to achieve.ġ. Enhance the flavour of your food with Aji-No-Moto’s range of seasonings, cooking oils and sweeteners.