umami explained:
unlocking the mysterious 5th taste
Umami is a taste that elevates food to new heights, that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. It's a taste that will change the way you think about food.
When it comes to creating delectable savory recipes, many home cooks often overlook the power of this little-known ticket to flavor country. But let us tell you - this secret flavor weapon not many people know about unlocks mind-blowing deliciousness, and can take your pasta dishes from bland to bold in just a few simple steps.
Tired of boring dishes that fall flat in the flavor stakes? Ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride? Look no further, because the key to elevating all your dishes to new heights is none other than the mysterious and coveted fifth taste: Umami.
If you're yet to discover the magic of umami, or you've heard of it but never quite figured out how to leverage it in your kitchen creations, this guide will make you an expert on all things umami!
Ready to get an inside peek at our absolute favorite trick to make every meal more delicious, and try it out at your place with our brand new flavor-bomb pasta recipe? Let's dig in!
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS UMAMI?
Umami is a Japanese word that roughly translates to "savory deliciousness"
While the taste sensation is often described as rich, deep, luxurious, or meaty... It still has an inexplicable quality that makes it tough to pinpoint its characteristics, especially beyond our usual grasp of language to do with our perception of taste.
Umami blasts beyond sweet, sour, bitter & salty, and arrives somewhere delicious that’s almost impossible to put your finger on...
It's that addictive flavor that makes your mouth water and taste buds ignite.
Simply put, no words truly exist that fully do it justice - Umami is just that irresistible taste and feeling that makes you want to keep digging your fork into a dish again and again.
Furthermore, the delicate magic of umami works in other mysterious ways, elevating and enhancing all the other ingredients it accompanies in your dishes.
In short, umami is the ultimate taste experience.
Where Does This Magical Flavor Come From?
Umami is naturally present in many foods, such as parmesan cheese, cured meats, shellfish, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and even some vegetables and cheese. It's also found in fermented and aged foods, like soy sauce, miso, and Worcestershire sauce!
We experience the umami taste sensation when the foods we eat contain three compounds, an amino acid named glutamic acid (aka glutamate) and two ribonucleotides called inosinate and guanylate.
As scientific as it sounds, umami couldn't be simpler to add to your flavor profiles at home if you know where to look. Chances are you have plenty of umami-packed pantry staples in your kitchen already! Here's a cheat sheet of common umami-rich goodies at your place:
Why is umami such a powerful way to amp up your recipes?
Umami has another superpower beyond its incredible taste and mouthfeel... It actually enhances the flavor of your other ingredients! When used in pasta dishes, it can bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables, the richness of meats, and the depth of sauces. It's like the conductor of an orchestra, bringing all the flavors together in harmony.
how is this taste even possible?
The role of umami taste in the human body is related to its ability to help the body recognize protein in food. The taste receptors in the tongue are stimulated by amino acids, triggering a response that helps us detect incoming protein. Experts suggest that this may have helped early humans identify nutritious food high in protein and probiotics.
Let's take a look at the three umami compounds: Glutamic acid, which is found in both plant and animal proteins, is the most commonly found. Inosinate is found in fish and various meats, while guanylate is most prevalent in mushrooms. These amino acids and ribonucleotides act as neurotransmitters, and are responsible for our sensation of the umami taste.
ISn't GLUTAMATE that nasty stuff in msg?
No, umami is not the same thing as MSG - don't panic! That manufactured, concentrated umami-mimicking salt is often added to packaged snacks, convenience foods or restaurant dishes in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to enhance their flavors, but it's not the healthiest way to get your umami fix. While it does behave in a similar way in the brain, we don't recommend using highly-processed, sodium-packed MSG as part of your healthy diet.
The use of that behind-the scenes flavor enhancer is a tad controversial (and some may argue it borders on taste bud trickery!), and besides - it’s easy to replicate the same umami taste sensation with fresh ingredients at home. All it takes is a few tricks up your sleeve and knowing where to find umami in your produce and pantry staples!
so umami is good for you then?
Absolutely! Research suggests that consuming foods naturally high in umami may have potential health benefits, such as helping with weight loss by reducing appetite.
Encountering umami is actually wonderful for our bodies, and an excellent indication that nutrients are incoming! Our ability to taste umami signals to the body that a food contains protein, which triggers the release of saliva and digestive juices to aid in healthy digestion.
Umami can also help in maintaining a healthy weight, by inducing a sense of satiety and helping people to feel full after a meal, preventing snacking after meals and overeating throughout the day. By combining umami-rich pasta such as Three Farm Daughters with other umami-bomb ingredients, you've got a hearty and satisfying meal on your plate.
WAIT, DID YOU SAY PASTA IS UMAMI-packed?
Better believe it! One of the most important sources of umami is the ingredient that is found in our featured recipe today, Three Farm Daughters Pasta.
Our pasta is made from durum wheat flour and semolina, which are natural sources of the umami-rich amino acid, glutamate. Next, our shapes are crafted with care, with a slow drying process that allows the pasta to develop a deep, rich flavor that’s packed with umami, all topped off with a delightfully unctuous bite that brings it all home. Try it for yourself below, and experience pasta like you've never had it before:
THE PASTA SAMPLER
BY THREE FARM DAUGHTERS
Try all 4 of our Signature Pasta shapes!
The Pasta Sampler includes 1 box each of Penne, Cavatappi, Rotini & Elbows
welcome to flavor country!
So what are you waiting for? It's time to unleash the flavor power of umami with Three Farm Daughters Pasta and some yummy, easy-to-find ingredients that are probably already in your pantry!
Want to take your new knowledge out for a spin at your place this week? Listen up - We’ve got a delicious pasta recipe that showcases this delectable taste sensation, and it couldn't be easier. This pasta is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold and complex flavors.
Welcome a taste experience that will blow your mind and leave you wanting more with our Ultimate Umami-Bomb Pasta recipe below.
the ultimate
umami-bomb pasta
BY THREE FARM DAUGHTERS
Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins
Get ready for an explosion of flavor with our Ultimate Umami-Bomb Pasta! We’ve pulled the pin on a real flavor grenade with this one, so buckle up for the gourmet ride of your life.
Just add your favorite Three Farm Daughters Pasta shape to this delicious lineup of lip-smacking, umami-forward sauce ingredients, featuring the best of the best that “the fifth taste” has to offer… Garlic butter mushrooms, parmesan, pancetta, tomatoes two ways, and caramelized onions combine in this pasta dish that will blow your taste buds away!
Brace yourself for the savory ride of your life with this unforgettable pasta that’s guaranteed to leave you wanting more… Just don’t blame us if it blows your hair back!
INGREDIENTS
-
1 box Three Farm Daughters Cavatappi
- 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup Pancetta or Prosciutto, finely diced
- 1 large Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves of Garlic, crushed
- 2 cups canned, crushed San Marzano Tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Italian Tomato Paste, best quality
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce or Miso Paste
- 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh Parsley, roughly chopped
METHOD
Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta or prosciutto and cook until crispy.
- Next, add the sliced onions to the pan with the pancetta cubes. Saute until onions are caramelized, translucent and slightly golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a separate frypan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, golden brown, and the garlic is fragrant. Set aside to stay warm.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving one cup of the starchy cooking water to stir through the sauce, and set aside.
- Once your onions have caramelized, stir in the tomato paste and allow it to toast off in the hot pan to “wake up” the rich tomato flavor.
- Finally, pour in the canned tomatoes and soy sauce (or Miso paste, if using), and bring everything to a simmer. Allow to bubble gently for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- To assemble, stir the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, garlic mushrooms and parmesan cheese together. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding some spoonfuls of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Scatter with chopped parsley and serve at once… To a standing ovation!
ok, so you're totally hooked on umami... now what?
Excellent news - There’s no need to settle for a hit of umami deliciousness in just one dish! Now you know how to unlock the fifth taste with some key ingredients, you’re off to the races.
Incorporating umami into all your cooking can elevate any dish, from soups and stews to pizzas and sandwiches. Try adding a dash of miso to your stir-fries or sprinkling parmesan cheese on your salads. The possibilities are endless.
Don't be afraid to experiment and play with different umami-rich ingredients. The key is to balance the flavors and find the perfect combination that will take your taste buds on a journey to flavor city. And with Three Farm Daughters pasta, you'll have the perfect foundation for your umami-packed creations.
experience pasta that's big on bold flavor!
With Three Farm Daughters, you truly can have your pasta and eat it too. Our high fiber, protein-rich pastas pack a punch in the umami stakes - Sending your fork back for more like never before. Experience this delicious discovery today.
say hello to flavor country
