The Science of Flavor: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of MSG in Cooking Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been a staple ingredient in many cuisines for decades.
Its reputation is still shrouded in controversy, yet its importance in modern cooking cannot be overstated.
The Role of MSG in Modern Cuisine The history of MSG dates back to ancient China, where it was known as "seikou" or "essence of the food.