You know that deeply savoury flavour in a slow-cooked beef stew, the richness of a mature Parmesan cheese or the satisfying taste of mushrooms fried in butter? That is umami at work. Often described as savoury, meaty or broth-like, umami is recognised as the fifth basic taste, alongside sweet, sour, salty and bitter. It gives … Continue reading What exactly is umami? Understanding the fifth taste and how to use it in your cooking