XXII Food Week discussed Umami and sodium reduction

The XXII Food Week – Sowing Health, promoted by the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo, carried out activities and discussions for adults and children about how to eat with quality. And of course, the Umami Committee had its representatives there.

The events of the Week, which took place from October 11 to 18, included interactive activities, lectures, and even a gastronomic fair. On the 14th, Hellen Maluly, PhD in Food Science and umami specialist, was present discussing what the alternatives are for sodium reduction in food.

Hellen emphasized the importance of variety in food to help in this task: “The continuous intake of very salty or sweet foods makes the taste buds get used to specific sensations, which can lead to dietary monotony. That is why it is essential to vary the foods we eat. This way, we can get unaccustomed to the excessive consumption of salt,” she recommended.

In addition, she advised looking for new culinary sources. “Using lemon, herbs, increasing the multisensory experience, that is, eating more colorful, crunchy, and aromatic foods can also help. The main tip is: vary, season, experiment, and invent.”

How to consume less sodium?

In this context, monosodium glutamate has a power that few people know: when used in the right proportion, it considerably reduces the amount of sodium in a meal, while maintaining the same acceptance. Replacing half a teaspoon of salt that you use to season a pot of rice, for example, with half a teaspoon of monosodium glutamate, it is possible to reduce at least 25% of sodium and with the same success in flavor as if it were made only with salt.

Monosodium glutamate has about 1/3 of the amount of sodium present in table salt. In addition, it is one of the components responsible for providing the umami taste to food. Another way to feel the fifth taste is through foods in which it is naturally present, such as tomato, parmesan cheese, and mushrooms. Tasty and healthy: with this combination, no one can resist!

To test if your plate of beans and rice has too much sodium, check out our game, which clearly teaches how to reduce the amount of this substance in your preparations, ensuring your health.