MonoSodiumGlutamate (MSG C₅H₈NNaO₄-H₂O) is widely used a flavor enhancer. It was originally extracted from seaweed but now is generally made from plants such as sugarbeets or cassava. In recent years, MSG has gotten a bad rap and is often denounced as a "chemical". It's strange that vinegar isn't denounced as a chemical even though it's made by a similar process.
Like sugar, MSG makes interesting patterns when dissolved and allowed to dry undisturbed. Under superstage lighting (below) monosodium glutamate crystals look like little jewels.