Umami Meaning and Definition
Umami
Pronunciation
/juˈmɑːmi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The fifth basic taste, typically associated with savory, meaty, or brothy foods, characterizing sensations elicited by the presence of glutamates or other amino acids, often used to describe flavors in foods like soy sauce, mushrooms, and seaweed.
Examples
- The chef explained that the key to the dish’s flavor was the umami taste.
- The slow-cooked beef stew had a rich, umami flavor.
- The umami flavor in the soy sauce added depth to the stir-fry.
- The truffle oil added a subtle umami taste to the pasta.
- The cheese has a strong umami flavor, often used in savory dishes.
- The mushroom sauce had a deep, earthy umami flavor.
Synonyms
- Savory
- Brothy
- Nutty
Antonyms
- Sweet
- Bittery
- Sour
Etymology
The word “umami” originated from the Japanese word for “pleasant,” used to describe the taste of certain foods. It was later adopted and popularized by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in the early 20th century.
Usage Notes
Umami is often used to describe the rich, savory flavors found in foods like soy sauce, mushrooms, and cheese. It is used to add depth and complexity to dishes, and is often paired with other flavors to create balanced and harmonious tastes.
Cultural References
Umami has appeared in popular culture, featured in films, television shows, and literature. For example, the film “Julie & Julia” explores the concept of umami in the context of French cuisine.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Umami bomb” refers to a dish or ingredient that has a strong, intense umami flavor.
Related Words or Phrases
Flavor, taste, savory, brothy, nutty
Collocations
Umami flavor, umami taste, umami-rich, umami-ness
Frequency of Use
Umami is a relatively new term in the English language, but its usage has increased significantly in recent years due to growing interest in food culture and culinary innovation.
Common Misspellings
Umammi, umamae, umme