Progresses on processing methods of umami substances: A review

摘要

Background: Umami taste, which is one of the five basic tastes, refers to the taste expressed by specific chemicals such as glutamic and inosinic acids. Such a taste is known to make the overall taste of food softer, more harmoniously full-bodied; it also helps improve the overall sensory characteristics of food. Umami substances have therefore gained much attention during the past decade. So it is necessary to identify and/or explore effective umami processing technologies to meet the more pressing demands of the food industry.