Seasoning – Why Use Yeast Extract in Cooking?

seasoningspices

I'm having dinner at a popular burger joint, and the have their house seasoning on the table. It includes "Yeast Extract". What would be the reason to include this in a season?

Best Answer

Yeast extracts provide umami, so it's a flavor enhancer. In the burger joint context, I imagine you might think it makes things taste a bit more meaty.

The most famous yeast products are things like marmite and vegemite, but it doesn't have to be that intense. And since it's pretty easy to produce and can be dried into a powder, it's a common ingredient. You've probably had it in all kinds of commercially produced food without even knowing it.