Monosodium glutamate (E621)

Sodium glutamate (C5H8NaNO4 •H2O), the sodium salt of glutamic acid, is widely used in the food and chemical industries. The history of this product began in 1908, when a Japanese scientist separated from seaweed (Japanese kelp) a chemical compound that gave it a unique taste - glutamic acid. After this discovery, he started the production of the spice, which was already pure monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate is used both in the chemical and food industries, it is, among others, a component of instant noodles commonly known as Chinese, sauces and spices as an aroma and flavor enhancer. Monosodium glutamate is currently a very common additive, due to the fact that it makes the taste of products similar to those of natural ones. This taste is known as "umami" - it is easiest to describe it as a mushroom-meat taste. The product is legalized in the European Union under the number E621.

• CAS number: 6106-04-3;
• Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₈ NaNO ₄ •H ₂ O;
• Appearance: white, crystalline powder;
• Application: food industry and chemical industry.