Umami

Okay kiddo, let me try to explain umami to you in a way that's easy to understand.

So, have you ever eaten something that tasted really yummy but you couldn't quite put your finger on why? Well, it's probably because it had a special taste called umami.

Umami is like a secret ingredient in food that makes it taste super delicious. It's a Japanese word that means "deliciousness" or "pleasant savory taste".

Umami is actually a taste bud receptor that helps our brain recognize the taste of certain amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. So, when we eat foods that are high in protein like meat, cheese, and mushrooms, our taste buds pick up on the umami flavor.

Some people describe umami as a "meaty" or "brothy" taste, while others compare it to a rich, savory flavor. It's like the difference between a plain potato chip and a chip that has been seasoned with spices and herbs. The second chip has more umami, making it more flavorful and enjoyable to eat.

So, next time you're eating your favorite food and it tastes extra yummy, just remember that it might be because of the umami. Maybe you can even try to identify which foods have the strongest umami taste!