One of the six taste sensations (in addition to bitter, fatty, salty, sour and sweet) that can be perceived over the entire tongue, with the middle and back areas of the tongue being particularly sensitive (see taste). It is perceived due to the presence of glutamates in food or drinks. Glutamates are various salts of amino acids. These are the basic building blocks for proteins.
The substance develops flavour-enhancing properties in food and plays a special role in the palatability and acceptance of many foods. Glutamate (glutamic acid) is found as a building block in almost all proteins and is consumed with almost every meal. Vegetable proteins can even contain up to 40 % glutamic acid. However, glutamate should not be confused with gluten (gluten protein), to which some people have an allergic reaction.
![]()
As honorary chairman of the Domäne Wachau, it is the easiest and quickest way for me to access the wein.plus encyclopaedia when I have questions. The certainty of receiving well-founded and up-to-date information here makes it an indispensable guide.
Hans-Georg Schwarz
Ehrenobmann der Domäne Wachau (Wachau)