The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using MSG in Your Cooking Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has long been a polarizing ingredient in cooking, sparking intense debates and misconceptions about its safety, taste, and cultural significance.
Despite being used for over a century, many cooks and consumers remain unaware of its benefits and drawbacks. Understanding MSG: What is Monosodium Glutamate?
MSG is a flavor enhancer derived from the amino acid glutamic acid, which occurs naturally in foods such as meats, vegetables, and dairy products.