What's the Deal with MSG?

brisck1

So I've run accross a couple of tantilising recipies lately which contain a falvouring ingredient i've previously never heard ofcall MSG (Monosodium glutamate). I was talking with a friend who works in a well known supermarket chain and she was telling me they dont stock it as it's a 'controversial' ingredient and has apparent health risks. I know that some chefs swear by the stuff and claim it to be harmless, but it does seem some are also weary of it but for no solid, specific or scientific reason.

Im wondering if anyone could shed some light on this mysterious ingredient for me? It does seem really hard to get a hold of tbh which makes me wonder if it's like that for a reason?

Also does anyone know of any supermarket chains that do stock it?

Thanks
Rob

Bongedone

Its a component of OXO stock cubes and plenty of other things. You can buy it at Chinese supermarkets. It is a white powder on its own. Comes in bags next to the seasonings.

It is a flavour enhancer. You can ignore it in recipes.

Emptynester

I know it can cause headaches in some people. I am one of the unlucky ones who have to avoid it. I may be wrong but I thought it was used as a cheap flavour enhancer and home made food would not need it. I am happy to be educated if anyone knows more. HTH

misskool

It's a flavor enhancer for the 5th taste umami (savory).

Natural glutamate is present in things such as soya sauce and fish sauce.

In most people, it doesn't cause any problems but for some MSG, the chemical isolated causes headaches, migraines etc. It's used in a lot of takeaways and convience foods so you'll have come across it before.

nappentass

Check this out for more information http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/factsheets/FactMSG.htm
from the http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/ site which I think is one of the best on the web for anyone who thinks they might have a problem with food intolerances

HTH
Jill

zara*elise

Chinese food contains a lot of MSG. Personally it's never been an issue for me and I tend to get headaches a lot after sugar etc. Like already said, it;s usually used in pro kitchens, some ready meals etc but I've never had to use it in a home recipe before. It can usually be omitted if you'd prefer not to use it.

xx

allydowd

http://www.msgfacts.com/

baby_fuzz

Most processed foods contain MSG (E621) - yes, even your Walkers crisps...
It's a naturally occuring compound that can also be found in cheese, tomatoes and soy sauce (etc), but some person a long time ago decided to make a fuss out of it after they got a migraine and decided to blame it on Chinese food and MSG.

It has been tested to death by food agencies everywhere, and there is no link to 'chinese restaurant syndrome', even though some might have you believe this.

It is commonly used in processed foods, and take-away foods such as Chinese, but is much more prevalent in Thai and Japanese foods. I know that amongst most of the Chinese community I know, MSG is not used at home or the very best restaurants - i.e. real Chinese cooking.

Will it kill you? No.
Do you need to use it? No, but it can make things taste nicer by the introduction of more Umami flavour (savoury).
Where can I get it? Any Chinese or Asian supermarket should stock it.

Further reading:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2005/jul/10/foodanddrink.features3

davetrousers

MSG (E621) makes you feel slightly bloated and makes you thirsty. It is often used in flavoured crisps (including some 'premium' types), OXO and Bisto Gravy and stock cubes, packet soups, dry roasted peanuts.

It's a cheap way to make food taste 'nicer' which is why they use it.

Probably best to have a general awareness of what foods contain it so that you can loosely regulate how much you have.

foxgloves

I wouldn't bother with it myself. It's a 'flavour enhancer' and surely the only reason that would be needed is if the food was cacky & tasteless in the first place, which is why it's in so many junk foods.

baby_fuzz

ditto foxgloves - hear hear!