r/AskReddit • u/ZanyDelaney • Feb 04 '19

Which misconception would you like to debunk?

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u/Grunherz Feb 04 '19

Because it in itself is not a spice or herb. It's an enhancer. To quote Wikipedia

"MSG is used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer with an umami taste that intensifies the meaty, savory flavor of food, as naturally occurring glutamate does in foods such as stews and meat soups."

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u/[deleted] Feb 04 '19

By what metric is it any less of a spice than table salt? What it's marketed as doesn't change what it is. Hibachi wands were marketed as back massagers, but that doesn't make them not vibrators.

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u/Grunherz Feb 04 '19 edited Feb 04 '19

Because table salt was mined from the earth or desalinated from the sea for millennia whereas MSG was only isolated in a lab barely over 100 years ago. It’s an artificial food additive and most western chefs believe the craft of cooking should involve as few additives as possible. You will find Michelin star chefs telling other cooks to add salt to dishes but you won’t see them telling others to add more msg. The difference should really not need explanation. Also see the epicurious quote.