BLACK TRUFFLE: WHAT DOES THIS GOURMET INGREDIENT TASTE LIKE?
When people hear the words “black truffle” they automatically think of fine, elegant cuisine. And while chances are you’ve heard of this delicacy, many people haven’t yet had the pleasure of tasting it. So what exactly do truffles taste like, and what are the most exciting ways to enjoy them?
Let’s learn more about this delicious ingredient and how to eat it!
What is a Black Truffle?
The black truffle is a species of fungus native to Southern Europe, in countries such as Spain, France, and Italy, and is used in these countries’ cuisines. The cream of the crop when it comes to black truffles is the Périgord variety, from France. Truffles grow beneath loose soil, usually near the roots of oak, hazel, and cherry trees, among others.
In Spain, the tradition of collecting truffles and other wild mushrooms goes back generations. Eastern and northeastern Spain in particular have high concentrations of this edible gem. Traditionally, dogs or pigs pick up the scent of truffles underground and alert their owners to the scent. Black truffles give off an earthy aroma, which is the result of their interactions with neighboring plants, animals, and insects. Truffles can also reproduce due to these interactions. They release spores, which ensures that truffles can continue to grow.
What Does it Taste Like?
So what do these mushrooms taste like? Truffles have a deep aroma and strong fragrance that are a prelude to their taste. Earthy, musky, and pungent, the most accurate way to describe their taste is by putting them in the umami category. Also known as the fifth taste, this lesser-known flavor is savory and reminiscent of meat, broth, and fish. Black truffles evoke this taste, an almost buttery, garlicky, olivey, mushroomy fragrance that’s completely unique. Because of their distinctive taste, they can amplify and intensify the flavors of the dishes they’re paired with. There are about six to nine months during the year when black truffles are available, as opposed to the most expensive white truffles. As truffles grow in more places across the globe, they’re more accessible and aren’t confined to gourmet cuisine anymore.
Read more: 5 Absolutely Delicious Spanish Sheep Cheeses to Try
How to Enjoy It
The wonderful thing about black truffles is that they are now more accessible than ever. It’s important to note that truffles are best when used fresh and only have a shelf life of a couple weeks or less, following proper storage. Keep your truffles individually wrapped in paper towels and inside a sealed glass jar. Keep the jar in the veggie crisper for maximum freshness. Black truffles can also be frozen for up to three months, so don’t worry if you can’t finish them that quickly. Wrap them in aluminum foil or freezer bags, squeezing out the air.
A great way to incorporate this flavorful ingredient into your kitchen is through truffle oil. You can infuse your already-delicious Spanish olive oil with black truffles, and then use it to finish off a dish for an explosion of flavor. Lightly drizzle it over your favorite meat or mushroom dishes, or even incorporate it into your favorite vinaigrette to give your salads a pop of flavor. You only need a small amount of truffle oil to liven up a dish, so use it sparingly!
You can also top off egg, chicken, pasta, and rice dishes with thinly sliced truffles to instantly amplify the flavor. A recipe that is quite famous and sure to please is truffle risotto, a hearty comfort food that will leave you wanting more.
You can also use your truffles to make truffle butter, a creamy, sinful spread that tastes wonderfully with so many different foods!
Food Lover Tour Invites You to Taste This Delicacy
If you’re a serious foodie who loves everything fine dining, join a Food Lover Tour. You can find us all over southern Europe!