Table of contents:
- What is MSG?
- Are there alternatives to MSG?
- 1. Spices
- 2. Salt
- 3. Artificial sea salt
- 4. Milk concentrate
- 5. Soybean
- 6. Tomatoes
- 7. Mushrooms
Currently, there are many ready-to-eat seasonings and seasonings. If you want to cook fried rice, you can buy instant spices at the supermarket, you don't have to bother making the ingredients first. If you want to make flour chicken, you can also get the marinade at the supermarket. This instant spice helps when we are not confused about how to mix traditional spices.
But perhaps the most famous flavoring is MSG, which can make food even more savory. MSG stands for Monosodium Glutamate, we better know it as micin or MSG. The taste of food becomes different when added with MSG. However, is it true that MSG is healthy to consume for a long time?
What is MSG?
MSG comes from the amino acid glutamic which is converted into sodium salt. MSG is a natural flavor enhancer to food. You can find MSG in many dishes, including instant seasonings, canned fruit, and packaged soups. Using MSG on its own is tolerable, but it can sometimes cause allergic reactions in some people. People with an allergy to MSG can experience headaches. If the person has asthma, it will cause chest pain and a pounding heart. In addition, you may experience mood swings. All of these symptoms are commonly known as Chinese Restaurant Syndrome - because MSG is often found in Chinese cooking.
Are there alternatives to MSG?
Maybe you have wondered if there are other alternative food ingredients that can make cooking tastier without MSG. Here is what you can use:
1. Spices
Of course you still remember one of the reasons the Dutch colonized Indonesia long ago, right? Yes, because spices are found in Indonesia. Why don't we return to preserving cooking spices such as garlic, shallots, pepper or pepper, turmeric, coriander, and cumin? This spice ingredient, if formulated properly, can stimulate your appetite and add to the taste of food. What you need to underline is that if you buy these spices that have been mixed or packaged, you should check the label, for information that there is no added MSG or hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
2. Salt
Sea salt is another alternative to flavor, as it can add flavor to food and give it a softer taste than table salt. The difference between sea salt and meha salt is that sodium and potassium iodide have been mixed in table salt, in contrast to sea salt which is processed by evaporation of sea water and contains natural potassium.
3. Artificial sea salt
Various kinds of salt alternatives can be used as a substitute for MSG, this type of salt is thought to be better consumed. Synthetic salts are usually made from potassium chloride or KCI. This compound is used in cheeses, breads and meats to add a natural flavor. KCI contains potassium and can give a bitter taste. Before using KCI as a flavoring, you should consult your doctor if you have health problems.
Apart from potassium chloride, there is calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and magnesium sulfate, all of which offer a salty-bitter taste. But you have to be careful in consuming it, you should not take a lot, because according to the National Institutes of Health quoted by Livestrong.com, calcium chloride can cause tongue irritation.
4. Milk concentrate
This is an alternative that can be used for a large variety of foods. The fat content in milk can cause a delicious sensation on the tongue. Apart from that, milk also helps to release and mask the taste of food. This concentrate is made from an enzyme modified from butter, cream and cheese.
5. Soybean
You can also combine dishes with soybeans. Apart from having high protein levels, soybeans also contain nutrients similar to meat. Japanese and Chinese foods are often supplemented with all-purpose soybeans. The taste obtained from this fermentation can provide the delicious sensation that is usually provided by MSG.
6. Tomatoes
This fruit is completely free of glutamate, which offers a natural 'MSG' taste. Roasted tomatoes will enhance the taste. When served with all meals, it produces a strong flavor. Apart from that, tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and E and both are antioxidants.
7. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are often served as a substitute for meat. Protein higher than MSG compounds is also found in mushrooms. Mushrooms can be served as crispy mushrooms, fried and served with oysters. Savory taste is already contained in the mushroom itself.
