Umami

How it is used

Used in tasting discussions; it describes a taste quality rather than saltiness alone.

Example sentences

1. The mushrooms added umami to the vegetable stock.

   The ingredient increases a savoury taste component.

2. The chef balanced umami with acidity in the sauce.

   The example contrasts two dimensions of the sauce's taste.

Common collocations

• umami flavour
• umami-rich ingredients

Related terms

• seasonTo add salt, pepper or other flavourings to food to improve its taste. Well seasoned means the salt and flavour are at the right level.
• stockA flavoured liquid made by simmering bones, vegetables and aromatics in water for a long time, used as the base for soups, sauces and braises.

More terms: Ingredients, Stocks & Sauces

• ingredient
• marinade
• mother sauce
• roux
• emulsion
• zest
• produce
• dry goods
• mirepoix
• bouquet garni
• sachet d'épices
• court bouillon