Chennai July 2018: Ajinomoto Group is a global manufacturer of high-quality seasonings, processed foods and beverages. It was founded in 1909 and now operates in 27 countries. MSG – the ingredient that gives food the umami taste – is now the most popular culinary agent in the world.
Renowned Chef M.S. Rajmohan, dietician Dr. Dharini Krishnan, nutritionist Dr. Divya Purushotham along with Atsushi Mishuku, Managing Director, Ajinomoto India and Govinda Biswas, Manager-Marketing, Ajinomoto India discussed about the truth and facts about AJI-NO-MOTO®(MSG) to the hospitality people and students who were also present in the seminar.
Atsushi Mishuku, Director, Ajinomoto India said, “AJI-NO-MOTO®(MSG) is a natural seasoning used to enhance the umami taste. Umami is one of the five basic tastes abundantly present in the nature in different food sources & vegetables. It is present in everyday food sources like vegetables, tomato, milk, cheese, etc. AJI-NO-MOTO®(MSG) was launched as the first UMAMI seasoning in the world with the aspiration to improve the nutrition of people by providing good and affordable seasoning”
Chef M.S. Rajmohan cooked Cauliflower Pakoda with AJI-NO-MOTO®(MSG) to give the audience a taste of umami. The dish comprised AJI-NO-MOTO®((MSG) and other ingredients such as cauliflower, pepper, coriander and a host of other ingredients. The Cauliflower Pakoda was full of the effervescent taste of umami. Chef M.S Rajmohan said, “Naturally occurring glutamate is the reason why some food items tickle our taste buds so well that we are left wanting for more. Since MSG makes bland but nutritious food much tastier, it can be used to good effect by making food attractive to those who are reluctant to eat.
Explaining the components of AJI-NO-MOTO® (MSG), which are glutamate, sodium and water, dietician Dr. Dharini Krishnan said, “Mono Sodium Glutamate is very safe for human consumption. Glutamic acid is something, which is found in breast milk also and is very safe. It is prepared from natural ingredients.”
Nutritionist Dr. Divya Purushotham said, Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid (glutamate). MSG is a flavour enhancer, which has been used effectively for nearly a century to bring out the best flavour of food. When MSG is added to foods, it provides a similar flavouring function as the glutamate that occurs naturally in food. MSG is comprised of water, sodium and glutamate.”
Dr Dharini and Dr. Divya stressed on the benefits of AJI-NO-MOTO®(MSG). If we reduce the salt quantity in the dishes, then the overall deliciousness of the food will come down or reduce. By using MSG we can enhance the taste of the dish and at the same time we can reduce the consumption of sodium by 30%. It also helps in reducing obesity as glutamate receptors cells in the stomach gives the ‘sense of enough feel’. MSG also helps the elders to relish good taste in their food.
Govinda Biswas, Manager-Marketing, Ajinomoto India said, “AJI-NO-MOTO ® [MSG] increases the deliciousness of the food and it is made from the finest quality crops like sugarcane & tapioca through fermentation process. Safety of AJI-NO-MOTO®(MSG) is proved by various international organisations with clinical and scientific studies. Use of flavor enhancer is allowed by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) without specification of ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake).”