The main component of monosodium glutamate is sodium glutamate, which is also the trade name and common name of sodium glutamate, also known as flavor powder, flavor element, sodium glutamate and sodium glutamate, and it is a flavor agent. The chemical formula is C5H8O4NNa, the molar mass is169.11g/mol, and the melting point is 232℃. Usually white crystal or powder, odorless and stable to light. It can stimulate taste buds and increase the flavor of food, especially meat and vegetables, and is often added to soup and meat products.

Monosodium glutamate is the most commonly used seasoning to increase the umami flavor of food, which is used most in Chinese food and is also popular in other parts of Southeast Asia.

The difference between monosodium glutamate and chicken essence

1, different raw materials. Monosodium glutamate is a raw material containing more protein, such as wheat and soybean. Chicken essence mainly consists of sodium glutamate, edible salt, chicken, chicken bone powder or other concentrated extracts as basic raw materials.

2. Different colors. Monosodium glutamate has a high purity and is generally transparent and colorless. Chicken essence is usually opaque yellow or light yellow because of its more complex composition.

3. Different shapes. The common monosodium glutamate is cuboid crystal particles; Chicken essence can be divided into powder, granule and block according to its shape, and it is mainly cylindrical or elliptical granule.

4, the taste is different. The fragrance of monosodium glutamate is light, while chicken essence has a strong fragrance.