Monosodium Glutamate

Monosodium glutamate, known as MSG, is the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid present in all protein. It is marketed as a white crystalline salt used to enhance fl avor as the monohydrate, C5H8NNaO4 H2O.There are two forms of glutamic acid: L-glutamic acid and D-glutamic acid. The natural glutamic acid found in humans and other higher organism is L-glutamic acid only, whereas processed monosodium glutamate contains both L-glutamic acid and D-glutamic acid along with pyroglutamic acid (C5H7NO3) and other contaminants.Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid. It is a white crystal that is readily soluble in water. It intensifies and enhances flavor but does not contribute a flavor of its own. It may be present as one of the amino acids or in a free form, which is how it effectively enhances the flavor of foods. It is produced through a fermentation process of molasses. It is used at 0.1–1.0% in meats, soups, and sauces.