What Is Umami? The 10 Best Plant-Based Sources
Umami, often described as the fifth taste alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, is a savory flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes. Here are the top 10 plant-based sources of umami:
- Mushrooms (especially shiitake and porcini)
- Tomatoes (particularly sun-dried)
- Seaweed (nori, kombu)
- Fermented soy products (miso, tempeh)
- Nutritional yeast
- Olives
- Soy sauce
- Aged or fermented vegetables (kimchi, sauerkraut)
- Truffles
- Roasted nuts (especially walnuts and peanuts)
Incorporating these ingredients into your plant-based cooking can help create satisfying, flavorful meals rich in umami taste.
