Umami is a word that constantly travels through foodie circles. Many people unfamiliar with the word know that it has something to do with the flavor of food and that it triggers pleasure in those who experience food with “umami.”
What exactly is umami, and why does it matter to a Dallas steakhouse? Join us, find out, and discover your next food craving!
Umami is the Fifth Flavor
We all know that there are four flavors to expect from food:
- Sweet
- Sour
- Bitter
- Salty
However, what may not be known is that there is a fifth food flavor that delves a little deeper into complex flavor profiles. Umami is that fifth flavor and comes in the form of a savory taste that almost instantly pleases the taste buds.
Umami is actually a very scientifically-based flavor. It stems from glutamate and ribonucleotides. While those sources may sound like a mouthful that you may never understand, we’ve broken the science down for you. In short, umami is the flavor of protein!
The History of Umami
Although umami was “discovered” by Japanese chemistry professor, Kikunae Ikeda in the early 1900s, the flavor wasn’t formally recognized until 2006. It was then that neuroscientists at the University of Miami successfully located the taste buds for umami. This scientific proof officially brought the flavor into our lives and revolutionized how menus across the globe described the “meaty” flavor.
What Foods Produce Umami?
Umami is found in a wide variety of foods we love. Some of the most common umami sources include:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Egg Yolks
- Fish
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Potatoes
What Makes Us Crave Umami?
Essentially, umami is everywhere and is loaded in the foods that most people love. So what makes people love umami so much? Aside from the idea that umami is in most of the comfort foods that we all crave, our drive for umami is actually much more primal.
Umami is the flavor of protein and our bodies have adapted to be driven to seek out protein and satisfying food for survival. It only makes sense that when someone says a food has that “umami flavor,” it’s always said in a positive and satisfying way.
How Does Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse Bring Umami to Your Table?
At Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, we believe that our menu boasts several dishes that offer an element of delicious umami. Of course, our organic steak is loaded with savory flavors; but that’s not the only way to find this taste at our Downtown Dallas steakhouse.
From pan seared mushrooms to delicious asparagus, several of the vegetables and entrees at our restaurant give our guests the flavorful sensation they crave. Satisfaction is our goal, and we believe we exceed it with every meal.
Satisfy Your Fifth Flavor Craving at Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
Stop in for something special tonight for dinner at Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse. Our classic Dallas steakhouse has all of the traditional flavors Texas has to offer, as well as our own takes on some of our favorite meals.
Make your reservation today and find out why we are one of Dallas’ most popular steakhouses.
