Mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) is a fine white powder similar in appearance to salt or sugar and is usually commercially produced by a fermentation process. It has no flavour of its own, but stimulates the taste buds and brings out the flavour in food. It is sometimes added to Asian foods, canned vegetables, soups, sauces and processed meats.
The main component of MSG is an amino acid called glutamic acid or glutamate. Glutamate is found naturally in foods that contain protein such as meat, poultry and milk; and tomatoes and mushrooms, which themselves are often used to enhance the flavour of foods. During digestion, the human body breaks down proteins from many other foods to form glutamate.
