for some reason, this post made me think about the basic TASTES:
Sweet, Sour, Bitter, Salty and Umami.
Umami is considered the "fifth" taste.....almost, but not quite, a combination of the other flavors.....deeper, richer, yummier. altho the concept of Umami has been around since the 19th century, and again "discovered" in 1908 by a Japanese chemist, it has only in the last decade become widely known, that's due to foodies everywhere, all the chefs on cooking shows now, etc.
no one can accurately describe umami as the flavor is almost "personal" - asparagus is considered umami, tomatoes, kelp, cheese. one famous italian chef stated that parmesan was the most umami ingredient in western culture.
but even without being told, we all have experienced the umami flavor. that moment of satisfaction, richness, satiation. taking it further, we have all experienced an umami moment......ah moment of YES....this..........
whew, sorry..........went on a bit of a tangent there!