It is a species of yeast often employed as a flavoring agent and nutritional supplement. This single-celled fungus, Candida utilis, is cultivated on various waste products, including wood sugars and paper mill effluent. The result is a product with a savory, slightly smoky taste, often described as similar to a bouillon.
Its cultivation presents certain advantages, most notably the ability to utilize industrial byproducts, contributing to waste reduction. Furthermore, the processed ingredient offers a high protein content, B-complex vitamins, and amino acids. Historically, it served as a protein source in animal feed and even as a food substitute during periods of scarcity.
