Bouillon Cube
Image: Rainer Zenz · CC BY-SA 3.0
A concentrated product used to quickly prepare soups and dishes, made by evaporating meat, chicken, or vegetable stock and compressing it with salt and spices into a cube.
What Is a Bouillon Cube?
A bouillon cube is a concentrated product made by simmering meat, chicken, or vegetable stock for a long time and evaporating it, then compressing it together with salt, fat, and spices into a small cube.
When dissolved in water, it provides a flavor base similar to traditional meat/vegetable stock; it is commonly preferred because it speeds things up in both industrial kitchens and home use.
Nutritional Value of a Bouillon Cube
100 grams of bouillon cube contains about 250 kcal of energy; it has a very high sodium ratio. Since it is used in small amounts, its sodium contribution in practical consumption varies with the manufacturer's instructions and is approximate.
How Should a Bouillon Cube Be Consumed?
A bouillon cube is consumed as part of a balanced diet, used as a flavor base for soups and dishes, in moderate amounts.
This information is general; a bouillon cube is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Due to its very high sodium content, people with high blood pressure and those restricting salt are advised to consume it carefully.
How to Choose a Bouillon Cube?
A good bouillon cube is one with a distinct real meat/vegetable extract in the ingredient list, few unnecessary additives, and packaging that has not absorbed moisture.
- The ingredient list should show a distinct real meat/vegetable extract
- The packaging should not have absorbed moisture, and the cubes should have retained their firmness
- The sodium ratio should be clearly stated on the packaging
How to Store a Bouillon Cube?
A bouillon cube can be stored for a long time in its closed packaging in a dry cupboard; absorbing moisture can cause the cubes to soften and spoil.
Using a Bouillon Cube in the Kitchen
A bouillon cube is most often dissolved in place of, or in addition to, water in soup, pilaf, and stew recipes; it is preferred when a quick flavor base is wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bouillon cube be used in place of homemade stock?
Partly; it provides a similar flavor base, but its sodium ratio is generally much higher and it may not fully give the depth of homemade stock.
Does a bouillon cube contain MSG (monosodium glutamate)?
Some commercial products may contain it, some may not; it can be checked from the ingredient list.
Is a bouillon cube found in Turkey?
It is common; it can be found in almost every supermarket with meat, chicken, and vegetable flavored varieties.