Monosodium Glutamate

Monosodium glutamate (commonly known as MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. This powdery substance made from seaweed or soybeans is flavourless, but may be used to accentuate and enhance the flavours already present in any food it is added to. It is used extensively in Chinese cooking. However, MSG has been known to cause hot flushes, palpitations and other allergic reactions and so must be used sparingly.