The ingredient comparison
According to the labels, the basic difference between the two is that Fab uses autolyzed yeast extract and disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). Autolyzed yeast extract is derived from yeast, and to me (and many others) it imparts a somewhat of a bouillon-like yeasty flavor that I'm not overly fond of when tasting the raw powder out the bag. It's a spice rather than a flavor enhancer, but it does produce a small amount of natural glutamate not unlike MSG. Theoretically, you can cut down on salt if you add yeast extract, but unfortunately it's not readily available in small quantities. You'll find it mainly used in processed foods like cereals and chips. If you do find it, use it in a ratio of 100:1.
Disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627) are flavor enhancers (hence the "E" number) and are usually found in a combination of 1:1. It's pricey at about $25 a pound (hence the higher price for FAB), but it's usually used in a ratio of 1000:1, so a little goes a long way. This stuff is really strong! Using regular beef bouillon per instructions with just an 1/8 teaspoon of this stuff made me spit it out. It's not salty, it's just really magnifies the taste for the beef flavor of the bouillon, which doesn't work well when not mixed with soup or veggies or something else.
Sodium phosphate in both of these mixes "improves" texture by producing CO2 gas bubble during the cook that leave tiny spaces between the meat. It also balances pH, so not good for bark (you want a low pH). Xanthin gum acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer that makes the mix thick and suspends other ingredients more evenly when added to a liquid. It's tasteless really, but adding too much will give foods a slippery texture. Use in a ratio about 100:1.
**Just a note that sodium phosphates are used in constipation medication, so now we know why BBQ Bubba went running to the toilet.
So when choosing between the two, FAB will add a flavor to your profile that you may or may not want, while Butcher's is more just purely flavor enhancers.
According to the labels, the basic difference between the two is that Fab uses autolyzed yeast extract and disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). Autolyzed yeast extract is derived from yeast, and to me (and many others) it imparts a somewhat of a bouillon-like yeasty flavor that I'm not overly fond of when tasting the raw powder out the bag. It's a spice rather than a flavor enhancer, but it does produce a small amount of natural glutamate not unlike MSG. Theoretically, you can cut down on salt if you add yeast extract, but unfortunately it's not readily available in small quantities. You'll find it mainly used in processed foods like cereals and chips. If you do find it, use it in a ratio of 100:1.
Disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627) are flavor enhancers (hence the "E" number) and are usually found in a combination of 1:1. It's pricey at about $25 a pound (hence the higher price for FAB), but it's usually used in a ratio of 1000:1, so a little goes a long way. This stuff is really strong! Using regular beef bouillon per instructions with just an 1/8 teaspoon of this stuff made me spit it out. It's not salty, it's just really magnifies the taste for the beef flavor of the bouillon, which doesn't work well when not mixed with soup or veggies or something else.
Sodium phosphate in both of these mixes "improves" texture by producing CO2 gas bubble during the cook that leave tiny spaces between the meat. It also balances pH, so not good for bark (you want a low pH). Xanthin gum acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer that makes the mix thick and suspends other ingredients more evenly when added to a liquid. It's tasteless really, but adding too much will give foods a slippery texture. Use in a ratio about 100:1.
**Just a note that sodium phosphates are used in constipation medication, so now we know why BBQ Bubba went running to the toilet.
So when choosing between the two, FAB will add a flavor to your profile that you may or may not want, while Butcher's is more just purely flavor enhancers.
:wacko:
