What foods are high in umami?

Question

What foods are high in umami ("savoriness") and how can I cook them to maximise the umami taste?

Answer 1

Umami comes from a very specific source: Glutamates and glutamic acid. MSG is a glutamate, so it is one of the best ways to add a bit of umami.

Meat, Kombu seaweed (used to make Dashi, and hence Dashi), mushrooms, onions, cheeses, soy and other beans, most high-protein foods.

Here is a quick list. Most are prepared foods, but it should give you an idea.

Answer 2

Marmite / Vegemite are also great for bringing out savory flavours.

Answer 3

• Anchovies
• Parmesan cheese
• Fish
• Meat

Answer 4

The insides of Tomato's are high. Heston Blumanthal has a recipe for Tomatoe Ketchup that makes use of this.

Answer 5

Miso. Yummy, too.