The Sensual Appeal of Truffle Smell

The Sensual Appeal of Truffle Smell

Did you know that during the pre-historic Greek and Roman civilizations, truffles were used as an aphrodisiac? Yes, truffles have been used for centuries not only as a delicacy or natural medicine. Their alluring aroma stirs a sensual feeling, so it’s little wonder that truffles are regarded as the culinary counterpart of sex. That strong and earthy truffle smell casts its magic spell, making this mushroom irresistible to truffle fans.

Such an appeal may seem strange especially to those who have never seen a truffle in their entire life. Or even to those who think truffle smells like a combination of weird stuff or that of what a male pig gives off to sexually attract female pigs. Okay, that might make you cringe. But then, the fact that truffles elicit a sensual feeling cannot be dismissed outright.

Top Gourmet Truffles

Top Gourmet Truffles

Truffles are a favorite in almost every gourmet restaurant. With its strong flavor and rich aroma, you can’t go wrong with using gourmet truffles as an enhancer in any dish, turning it from bland to flavorful. It’s no wonder why chefs and savvy food connoisseurs love to experiment different dishes with truffles as an ingredient. Why don’t you use one in your own kitchen?

Listed here are some of the common choices of edible truffles used in gourmet delicacies.

Types Of Truffles

Types Of Truffles 

What makes truffles expensive is not mainly because of its taste but because of its rarity. There are only a few numbers of places in the world where this type of mushroom can be found including Europe—France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. There are also other types found in the US, specifically in Oregon and Washington, as well as in Asia including Middle East and North Africa.

Like other mushrooms, there are various types of truffles. These types determine mainly their appearance, size, color, shape, texture and its price in the market. Among these types, the most expensive and rare type is the “White Truffle.” Also called, “Alba Madonna,” this truffle type is usually found in Italy, specifically in around the city of Alba and also available in Croatia. Usually, the White Truffle is found in hazel, poplar, beech and oak trees.

Useful Tips on Buying and Storing Truffles

Useful Tips on Buying and Storing Truffles

Do you know the secret to getting the best out of a truffle’s flavor and aroma? It’s in the way you purchase and store your truffles. You need some techniques to make sure that your truffle is in best condition and your truffle recipes will stand out. Here are some helpful tips on buying and storing truffles.

Buying Truffle

• Ask the vendor or sales clerk to make a small slice out of the truffle so that you can view its meat and judge if it is in good condition.

• Choose truffles that have been cleaned. A truffle’s dirt or cleanliness has nothing to do with its freshness, smell, and flavor. So go for the clean ones. Not only does it make you pay less for a lighter pack of truffles, but it also allows you to see what you are actually buying.

Uses of Truffles

Uses of Truffles

Experts say that there are so many types of truffles. And although none of these types are known to contain any type of poison, not all truffle types are considered gourmet delicacies. These types include the “White Truffles” which are the most rare among the types of truffles; the “Black Truffles,” which is very expensive because it can only be found in an oak tree; the “Chinese Truffles” which are the most available type because it grows bountifully in China and are often being exported to various parts of the world; and the “Summer Truffles,” which have milder aroma compared to other winter truffle types.

Then there are also other varieties or species of truffles which are not commonly used including the black truffle or the tuber macrosporum and the scorzone truffle or the tuber mesentericum. These types are commonly found in the U.S., specifically in the Pacific Northwest, for commercial and recreational uses. There’s also the “pecan truffle” that can be found only in pecan trees and are usually discarded by farmers.

What are the Different Types of Truffles?

What are the Different Types of Truffles?

About 70 various types of truffles grow worldwide, but only some of them are known to be edible. Truffles are unique mushrooms because of their location underground. They also grow on the roots of certain types of trees such as oak and pine. Since truffles are hard to find, people use trained dogs and pig to hunt for them in the woods. That is why truffles are known to be one of the costliest foods in the world, with prices ranging from $150 to thousands of dollars. However, their rich taste and aroma make their price, scarcity, and quite unappealing appearance all worth it.

Are you considering truffles for culinary use? Then it pays to acquaint yourself with the different varieties of truffles available nowadays. In doing so, you know your various choices and how to pick the best one for your particular dish.