The Distinctive Flavor Of Truffles

Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground near the roots of trees such as beech, poplar, and oak. They are prized for their earthy, woody aroma and flavour, which some have likened to black pepper, garlic, or dirt. They are typically shaved over Mediterranean dishes or made into bases for Italian foods such as pasta and pizza. Their unique taste also pairs well with fine entrees and is perfect for aiolis or as a garnish. While truffles can be one of the priciest foods in the world, certain species are more affordable than others.

Truffle oils and salts

Truffle oil and salt are popular ways to enjoy the unique taste of truffles without paying a premium for the fresh variety. Truffle oil is typically made by infusing an oil base, usually olive oil, with edible truffles, although some cheaper varieties use synthetic flavouring. Truffle salt is made by mixing traditional salts with pieces of white or black truffle. The truffle aroma permeates the salt, giving it an earthy truffle flavour.

Truffle oil made with real truffles can offer the health benefits of truffles and the oil used, such as the benefits of olive oil. Truffle salt can also provide the health benefits of truffles and sea salt, such as unrefined sea salt. However, truffle salt does not include the benefits of olive oil.

When buying truffle oil or salt, it is important to read the labels carefully. Truffle oil made with real truffles will be labelled as such, while synthetic varieties will list 2,4-dithiapentane as an ingredient. Likewise, truffle salt made with real truffles will contain pieces of whole truffles, whereas synthetic varieties will be flavoured with chemicals.

The best truffle salt is made with real truffles and unrefined sea salt. Truffle salt made with real truffles can be expensive, often rivalling the price of truffle oil per ounce. However, it is worth noting that truffle salt is considered by some to be more of a gimmick than a useful culinary ingredient. The amount of salt necessary to make a dish salty may not be enough to impart a noticeable truffle flavour. Therefore, truffle salt is best used as a finishing salt rather than during cooking.

The flavour of truffle oils and salts will depend on the type of truffle used. White truffle varieties tend to have a milder aroma and flavour, while black truffle varieties have a stronger, more pungent flavour and aroma. However, the specific flavour of truffle oils and salts can also vary depending on the tree roots the truffles attach themselves to, the soil they grow in, the season they are harvested, and the region they come from.

Black and white truffles

Black truffles, also known as the "summer truffle" or "Scorzone truffle", have a nutty, woody, and mushroomy flavour with some savoury notes. They are generally less intense, less aromatic, and less expensive than white truffles, which makes them more attainable for the average home cook. Black truffles are frequently cultivated on truffle farms and are easier to produce and find. Their flavour stands up better to heat, so they are often used in sauces, compound butters, risottos, and pasta dishes featuring cheese. Black truffle oil is commonly used in at-home cooking, and black truffles can often be found minced or chopped up in small jars with oil.

White truffles, on the other hand, are rarer, more expensive, and have a more pungent, aromatic, and intense flavour. They are native to northern Italy and are sourced through foraging, proving impossible to domesticate. Their flavour is softer, lighter, and tangier, with notes of garlic, pepper, and shallot. White truffles are highly coveted and considered a true delicacy, often shaved raw over elegant dishes such as pasta and risotto or used as a garnish. White truffle oil is less common due to the delicacy and rarity of white truffles.

The taste of truffles can be influenced by various factors, including the tree roots they attach to, the soil they grow in, the season they are harvested, and the region they come from. Even truffles of the same species can taste different when grown in different parts of the world.

How truffles are cooked

Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground, typically near the roots of trees. They are highly prized for their intense, earthy flavour and strong aroma. Due to their rarity and the difficulty in sourcing them, they are considered a delicacy and are often very expensive.

When cooking with truffles, it is important to remember that they are very perishable and will begin to lose their flavour and aroma as soon as they are harvested. They will keep for about a week in the fridge, but they must be wrapped in paper to prevent them from drying out or becoming exposed to excess moisture.

Truffles should not be exposed to a lot of heat, so they are typically added at the end of the cooking process or shaved over the top of a finished dish. Cooking truffles for too long will cause them to lose their freshness and aroma. White truffles, in particular, should not be cooked at all. Black truffles, on the other hand, can handle gentle cooking, such as stirring them into a sauce and heating at the end of the cooking process.

One popular way to use truffles is to shave them over pasta, risotto, or scrambled eggs. They can also be grated into sauces or wine, or placed under the skin of poultry before roasting. Truffles are commonly used as a garnish for meat or seafood dishes, and they can even be incorporated into desserts.

Another way to cook with truffles is to infuse their flavour into other ingredients. For example, storing truffles with eggs, butter, or cheese will cause the other ingredients to become infused with the truffle's flavour. This can also be achieved by making truffle butter or truffle oil, which can then be used as a base for other dishes. However, it is important to note that not all truffle oils are made with real truffles, and some are produced synthetically using chemical compounds to mimic the flavour.

Why truffles are so expensive

Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground near the roots of trees such as beech, poplar, and oak. They are highly prized by chefs and are considered a delicacy due to their unique and complex flavor and aroma, with notes of garlic, black pepper, mushroom, and earthiness. They are also known for their health benefits. However, truffles are very expensive, and there are several reasons for this.

Firstly, truffles are rare and difficult to find in the wild, requiring time and effort to harvest them, which increases their cost. They only grow in certain conditions during specific seasons and must be located using trained animals, typically pigs or dogs. Secondly, truffles are delicate and perishable, with their aroma disappearing quickly, making them challenging to store and transport. Thirdly, the flavor and aroma of truffles are highly sought after, and their limited supply and exclusivity contribute to their high price. The most prized and expensive truffles are the white truffles, particularly the Alba truffle, which is native to Italy and known for its elusive and fragile nature.

The cost of truffles can vary depending on the species, with some being more affordable than others. Black truffles, for example, are generally less expensive than white truffles and can be cultivated, making them more accessible. However, even within black truffles, there are variations in price depending on the specific type and region of origin. The Périgord truffle, for instance, is one of the most expensive black truffles.

Truffle products, such as truffle oil, butter, salt, and honey, offer a more affordable way to experience the flavor of truffles. These products are often infused with real truffle scraps or synthetically flavored with 2,4-dithiapentane to mimic the taste of truffles. While purists may scoff at artificial flavoring, these products are commonly used in restaurants and home cooking to add a luxurious touch to dishes.

In conclusion, the high price of truffles is a result of their rarity, the challenges of harvesting and transporting them, their unique and sought-after flavor and aroma, and their limited supply. Their status as a delicacy and their association with luxury and affluence further contribute to their expensive nature.

Truffle hunting

The first step of truffle hunting involves identifying areas where the truffle plant grows, which is often done with the help of a trained dog. Experienced hunters look for patches of ground that appear burnt, with no grass or weeds growing, as truffles secrete a chemical that kills competing plant life. Hunters may also look for areas with certain types of trees, as truffles grow near the roots of "host trees" such as beech, poplar, and oak.

Once a potential truffle site is identified, hunters use special spades to carefully extract the truffles without disturbing the soil conditions. This step requires skill and precision to avoid damaging the delicate truffles and the surrounding environment.

In addition to dogs, pigs were once commonly used to locate truffles due to their ability to detect the musk-like scent of the fungus. Today, some hunters even report success using trained flies to locate truffles.

For those interested in experiencing truffle hunting first-hand, there are various truffle hunting tours offered in Tuscany, Florence, providing an opportunity to learn about finding, using, and cooking with this prized ingredient.

Frequently asked questions