Truffles: Everything you need to know

Learn more about one of the most costly ingredients in the universe.

For the funky, earthy luxury they bring to dishes such as these, both black and white truffles are highly sought after. risotto, pasta?, scrambled eggs. How did an underground fungus that was hunted by dogs and pigs become one of the most expensive and sought-after ingredients in the world. You can find out everything you need about these delicious delicacies and our favorite ways to prepare them.

What exactly is a truffle?

Truffles are an underground edible fungus. Truffles have a small, irregularly-shaped shape and a bumpy exterior. Some truffles have a marbled appearance, while others are black or white. People often confuse truffles with mushroomsThey are both delicious types, but truffles are much more intense and flavorful.

RELATED: You Can Go Truffle Hunting by Bike on This Dreamy Tuscan Day Trip

How are truffles obtained?

Truffles must be carefully taken from the soil. The truffles can then be harvested by trained female dogs or pigs, who are able detect the strong aroma of the truffles below the surface. Pigs are a risky species due to their natural tendency of eating any edible object in front of them. Dogs have been trained to recognize pigs and will exchange truffles for a piece of biscuit.

“I heard of some truffle hunters digging for their prizes themselves when they see truffle flies around the base of a tree,” says Oliver Lange, corporate executive chef for the Zuma Restaurants

What’s the difference between white and black truffles?

Alba Truffles are also known as white truffles. They are a subterranean fungus which grows in soil from oak, poplar and beech trees in the forest near Alba in northern Italy. They are light-brown to light brown in color and have a strong, musky scent. The white truffle harvest season begins in September and peaks in October and Novemeber, before waning in December.

Black truffles, also known as Périgord Truffles, are a type of subterranean fungus that grows in the soil of oak and hazelnut trees. They can be found most commonly in France and Spain, but they have also been grown in Australia and the United States. They have a dark brown or black exterior with a pungent scent. Black truffles are often harvested in winter.

RELATED: Very Good Dog Sniffs Out Record-Breaking Black Truffle

What is the taste of truffles?

Lange uses truffles in various menu items to add a strong taste of umami.

“White truffles have a strong aroma with a delicate nutty flavor with hints of shallots and garlic,” he says. “Black winter truffles are earthier and their aroma is reminiscent of cocoa, port, licorice and sometimes a bit musty.”

How can you make truffles delicious?

Truffles are typically shaved thinly on top of a prepared meal. However, if you grate them using a Microplane, the fine shavings will blend better with your dish. Truffles can be used in pasta dishes or risotto. seafood Or meat. Black truffles pair well with juicy steaks Like our Dry-Aged Rib Eyes with Burgundy-Truffle Sauce.

RELATED: How to Make a Showstopping Black Truffle Pasta for Winter

Lange’s Chu-toro Tartare is made with soy, quail egg and miso brioche. He recommends using truffles to finish a dish, rather than cooking them for a long time, noting, “If you have a cooked meal, truffles should be consumed right after it’s shaved, you don’t want to cook truffles really long, or else they will lose their freshness.”