| MSG is used as a cheap flavor enhancer. In fact, "Accent" is almost pure MSG and the Japanese name is ajinimoto. I know of one individual tht must stay away from any soy products. They are non-asian (not a definitive example, granted). On the other hand, my daughter is also lactose intolerant and was weaned to pro-soy-be as a baby. At the time, I was amazed when the doctor carefully explained to me that many asian babies are such (what I said earlier about race-based food requirements). As was predicted, she grew out of it. BTW, I too cook many things without MSG and would never consider using it in canning recipies (not for any other reason than, that I never thought of doing that). Considering it's effect, as a flavor enhancer, I'm not surprised that many food preparers try to enhance their product with MSG. If it tastes better than the competition then they will get more sales. Unfortunately, such a mass-market approach disenfranchises those whom are not part of the mass-market. It isn't just MSG, it's a lot of things. That is sad. The upside is that, because you are forced to prepare your own food, you probably have a higher quality diet. The factory-made stuff is so mediocre. |
