Podcast Episode 113: The Art & Science of MSG & Umami – Chef Chris Koetke & Dr. Tia Rains

Disclosure: I want to thank Ajinomoto for inviting me to the World Umami Forum and for their support and sponsorship of this podcast series. Please note that guest views do not necessarily reflect those of Ajinomoto.

This is a 3-part series on Umami & MSG – or monosodium glutamate. In this series, I’m speaking with four different experts to explore the largely untold history, research on the safety, culinary applications – and even some potential health benefits and current research approaches. What you learn may surprise you!

MSG is one of the most beloved and vilified ingredients in American history.

It’s a staple for home cooks and world-renowned chefs, yet it’s a subject of skepticism as brands and restaurants promote “MSG-free” foods and dishes.

Last September, I was invited to attend the World Umami Forum in New York City, an event hosted by Ajinomoto, the world’s first and leading manufacturer of MSG. What I learned was so compelling that I decided to do a series of episodes so that I could interview several of the speakers and experts that I met at the conference and bring their knowledge to you. You’ll hear from a food historian and author, a registered dietitian, a research and food industry scientist, and also a chef.

Dr. Tia Rains and Chef Chris Koetke

The third episode in this 3-part series features Dr. Tia Rains and Chef Chris Koetke. They discuss the past and current research on MSG and the culinary applications of MSG and umami.

The first episode featured Sarah Lohman, a culinary historian and author of ‘Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine’. She shares how and why history has influenced our perceptions of MSG.

The second episode featured Mary Lee Chin, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in science. She shares insight into MSG’s connection to Asian heritage and health topics – including the question of headaches.

I’m excited about the role MSG may play in bringing out the savory flavor in plant-based foods and proteins.”
– Dr. Tia Rains

I am currently working on developing recipes that build on umami and reduce sodium at the same time.”
– Chef Chris Koetke

MSG & Umami – The Basics:

1. MSG or monosodium glutamate is a seasoning that combines sodium with glutamate, an amino acid that is naturally present in certain foods.
2. MSG is the purest form of Umami, which is 1 of the 5 tastes in addition to sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, and brings out the savory flavor in foods.
3. Studies have shown that MSG can reduce overall sodium content in a recipe by 30-40% by reducing the need for salt. In fact, the Institute of Medicine has referenced the potential of MSG as a tool to reduce sodium in foods.
4. MSG is sold under the brand name Ac’cent in the United States, as well as AJI-NO-MOTO™, and can be purchased in the spice aisle of most major supermarkets, Asian grocery stores and online.

Get the Factsheet: Glutamate in the Kitchen

Guest Bios:

Tia Rains, PhD, is currently Senior Director of Public Relations at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition. She has over 20 years of experience working on health and wellness initiatives within the food and beverage sector, most recently heading up the Egg Nutrition Center. She enjoys working at the intersection of nutrition research and communications in the food industry, always with the goal of advancing credible research in nutrition and developing truthful messaging on new research results in the context of the body of nutrition evidence.

Nutrition is a science. We should expect and encourage its evolution.”
– Dr. Tia Rains

Christopher Koetke is a professional chef, veteran chef educator, expert in sustainability and umami, and per the American Culinary Federation, a Certified Culinary Educator and Certified Executive Chef. He has worked in professional kitchens for well over 3 decades and for 20 years worked in culinary education where he eventually oversaw 48 campuses in 12 countries. He is now the founder of his own consulting firm, Complete Culinary, which focuses on the 360 view of the food and beverage industries. He is also an expert on the culinary side of umami.

For me as a chef, it is always about taste and the eating experience. What is perhaps misunderstood here is that great food can taste great and be healthy and that balance in the diet is absolutely key.”
– Chef Chris Koetke

Resources:

Dr. Tia Rains: Twitter

Chef Chris Koetke: Website | Instagram

About MSG & Umami: whyusemsg.com

MSG & Umami Resources: Patient Education | MSG Safety | Recipes | Scientific Citations

Related Episodes:

The Untold History of MSG & Umami – Episode #111 with Sarah Lohman

MSG & Umami: Heritage, Health & Headaches? – Episode #112 with Mary Lee Chin

Featured Recipe:

Get Melissa’s Sound Science Toolkit here!

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Music by Dave Birk

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