Kikunae Ikeda

Kikunae Ikeda was a Japanese chemist who is best known for his discovery of umami, the fifth basic taste, in 1908. His research revealed that the taste associated with the savory flavor of foods like kelp broth was due to the presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG). This groundbreaking finding not only expanded the understanding of taste but also influenced culinary practices and food science across the globe.