A first brine free of salt and phosphate for treating a food product by injection of the brine into the food product. The brine is formed from an emulsion consisting of water, saltless flavoring and protein. The protein is from the same type of food product as the food product being injected with the brine. A second brine especially for ham with the bine being similar to the first brine, but with a low sodium content of a maximum of 0.5% to 1.0% of the weight of the food product. A third brine for pork bellies without phosphate.

To provide an edible ingredient having an exceptional effect for enhancing umami. An umami-enhancing composition having a carotenoid degradation product as an active ingredient. The umami-enhancing composition can be formulated through a manufacturing method that includes a step for adding a carotenoid to an edible oil and fat, and a step for degrading the carotenoid in the edible oil and fat. The carotenoid degradation product is preferably a degradation product of one or more selected from the group consisting of carotenes and xanthophylls. The umami-enhancing composition is optimally used as a food-product ingredient, etc., for manufacturing a seasoning or extract or for enhancing the umami of a food product.

To provide an edible ingredient having an exceptional effect for enhancing umami. An umami-enhancing composition having a carotenoid degradation product as an active ingredient. The umami-enhancing composition can be formulated through a manufacturing method that includes a step for adding a carotenoid to an edible oil and fat, and a step for degrading the carotenoid in the edible oil and fat. The carotenoid degradation product is preferably a degradation product of one or more selected from the group consisting of carotenes and xanthophylls. The umami-enhancing composition is optimally used as a food-product ingredient, etc., for manufacturing a seasoning or extract or for enhancing the umami of a food product.

Provided is an enzyme composition that can be used to produce food products with less contaminants and excellent flavor and texture. An enzyme composition for food products containing a peptidase and having substantially no contaminating activity.

Provided is an enzyme composition that can be used to produce food products with less contaminants and excellent flavor and texture. An enzyme composition for food products containing a peptidase and having substantially no contaminating activity.