Where does monosodium glutamate come from?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally found in many foods, including tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. It is primarily produced through fermentation of carbohydrates, such as sugarcane or starch, using specific bacteria. This process converts the sugars into glutamic acid, which is then neutralized with sodium to form MSG. As a flavor enhancer, MSG is widely used in various cuisines, particularly in Asian cooking.