Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. It is commonly added to foods as a “flavor enhancer. Unlike salt or other seasonings, MSG does not alter the actual taste of food; instead it enhances taste by exciting and increasing the sensitivity of taste buds.
(
sprinkles ITS AN ISLAND, morron,
Sun 27 Jun 2004, 1:56,
archived)