The most savory foods contain lots of glutamate, the amino acid that gives foods as varied as mushrooms, cooked meat, anchovies and cheese their distinctive, strong flavor. This savoriness, also referred to as umami, or the fifth taste, develops through cooking or fermentation, which reduces moisture and concentrates the glutamates. You perceive the savory or umami taste like you do sweetness, saltiness, sourness and bitterness, with the taste receptors on your tongue.