General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The organic industry’s GMO hoax [View all]Hugin
(37,840 posts)To understand the whole depth and intrigue read the history of the spice road. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice_trade
Pay particular attention to the history of pre-ground "black pepper" (aka floor sweepings) and in modern times tea and coffee. I know they aren't spices, but, they are not technically staples required for life. It'll make you realize that sometimes Government Regulation on food and water quality is a necessary evil.
While you're out buying your MSG. Pay particular attention to the fact ONE company in the US has the license to produce and sell all of it. Both, retail and wholesale. The cylinders containing this magic powder right now are emblazoned with their current claims, "60% less sodium than salt" (at 5x the cost of salt, but, they don't tell you that.) Oh, and you have to use much more of it 1/2 tsp / lb of meat, than I would ever in my most crazed imaginings use of salt.
I've wondered why the processed and fast-food industry dump MSG in their slop with wild abandon. I've come up with a couple of hypotheses; The first being that somehow the MSG sales people have convinced the decision makers at the manufacturers of said slop that somehow it makes their bland pulp taste better. They might buy that due to the fact they never personally eat what their various outlets serve, so they believe it. I'm doubtful of this for the reason you cite on cost. Secondly, they've been sold on some secondary effect that MSG may allegedly produce in consumers. What it is, I don't know. Maybe, it makes them thirsty and sodapop is a profit leader in the fast-food industry. But, it's only necessary to look as far as the tobacco industry infusing their products with ammonia as a precedent for this type of supply side behavior.
So, there you have it. The totality of my thoughts on MSG.
Please, let me know how your duplication of my experiment turns out.
Thanks for the rational discussion, Humanist.