Star porcini mushroom boullion cubes? Good?

Question

I have a box of these that I brought home from Italy a few years ago and never used. I am making farro today with a recipe (Molto Mario) that calls for water. (This is an excellent, easy recipe, by the way, from foodtv).

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_27376,00.html?rsrc=search

I am thinking of using one of these cubes to add more flavor. My question is: How do they taste? I know lots of people rave about them but the ingredient list begins with salt and vegetable fat and way down the list is 1.1% porcini Are these that much better than ordinary bouillon cubes (which I never use)? What do their fans use them for?

Answer

A few years? For starters, toss 'em and splurge on a new box for $2.50. They are not inert, they do not last forever.

No, they're not particularly special. They're bouillion cubes. They aren't "gourmet" anything, they're OK, and certainly a nice addition to the other not-bad tasting convenience foods. I also like them for risotto, or mushroom soup, or basically anything where I want to reinfornce mushroom flavor or get a little in as a background flavor.

For small amounts, I often prefer the flavor a decent bouillion cube to canned broth, but it depends on the use and mood as much as anything else. The cubes can have OK flavor, but they always fall down on "mouthfeel", IMNSHO.

Answer

I roast a whole chicken every 3 weeks or so, with a head of garlic, 2 or 3 quartered onions, rosemary and button mushrooms scattered around, and plenty of butter.

I added 2 Star Porcini cubes last week and thought it made a substantial difference. There was a very noticeable porcini flavor when it was done.

Answer

Even when things don't "go bad", very little except cystallized things like white sugar and salt really last for years unchanged. I'll bet if you compare the years-old cubes to new ones you'll be surprised at the difference - like sniffing an old jar of oregano that seemed "good enough" until you compare it side by side with a new one...

Answer

Can anyone give me the ingredients list for these? I have tons of allergies, and I need to check before ordering. Thanks so much!

Answer

I was warned when I bought some years ago that they were very strong. I've kept mine for three years and had no problems using them to up the bounce in the broth for mushroom risotti. Star is a good Italian brand that I once found only in Italy. They do indeed taste like a mixture of good mushrooms, and yes, they're salty on their own. I normally only use a half a cube.

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Star porcini mushroom boullion cubes? Good?

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