First, you have to make sure you are buying an authentic product. Many products are available in markets with very few mushrooms, so you should be careful when buying them. Porcini mushrooms have a fresh earthy smell; the younger they are, the more intense their flavor will be. You can use them for cooking different meals, like pasta, stuffing, and casseroles. This mushroom's special flavor and fragrance make it one of Italy’s favorite pickings during autumn, but its price forces one to choose between fresh porcini mushrooms or dried ones.