What is the difference between black and white truffles? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between black and white truffles? ›

White truffles have a taste that is significantly softer and lighter than the taste of black truffles. The flavor and aroma of a white truffle are more subtle, with a tang similar to garlic alongside notes of pepper.

Black truffles are typically less intense than their white counterparts, but they still impart a distinct umami taste to dishes. With a dark exterior, they have a nutty, woody flavour and a strong, often pungent aroma.

In general, white truffles are more expensive than black truffles due to their rarity and the difficulty in finding them. White truffles are also more challenging to cultivate and have a shorter shelf life than black truffles, which contributes to their higher price point.

In terms of size, the summer truffle is generally larger than the black truffle. Finally, its flesh (also called the gleba) is very light in colour early in the season, then turns a chestnut colour as the season draws to a close. This differs from Tuber melanosporum, whose flesh is black.

They are also found in many different regions of the world. White truffles typically sell for about $3,000 per pound, while black truffles go for around $1,200 per pound. Of course, the price can vary depending on the quality of the truffles and the time of year.

While black truffles sometimes act as an ingredient in a dish, white truffles are almost exclusively used as a condiment. The, strong, pleasant smell of white truffle is intense, yet sensitive to heat. White truffles need to be consumed raw, as a precious finishing touch to top a fairly neutral dish.

Interchangeably use black and white truffle oil

Both the oils pair well with mild foods like cheese, corn, eggs, polenta, risotto, potatoes, and pasta. You can also use them for macaroni and cheese, pizza crust, mashed potatoes, and many other dishes.

The most expensive truffle ever sold is the Tuber magnatum Pico, commonly known as the white truffle. Specifically, the record belongs to a giant white truffle that weighed 3.3 pounds (or about 1.5 kilograms).

Italian white Alba are the most sought-after truffles in the world as they offer the most incredible scent and taste, they are only available during a certain time of year and have a distinct aroma that contrasts with the slightly more common black varieties.

Alba white truffle, also known by its scientific name Tuber magnatum Pico, is the rarest and most coveted of all truffles.

What is so special about black truffles? ›

Black truffles have a nutty, rich, deep flavor that is somewhat mushroomy with a decadent difference. While mushrooms and truffles are both fungi, truffles tend to taste more complex and suit a more sophisticated palate, hence their luxury and title as a delicacy.

Also known as the Perigord truffle, the most revered of the black truffles are found in Umbria. Not surprisingly, then, that's where you'll also find the world's most famous truffle company, Urbani Truffles. Urbani's headquarters are in Scheggino and house a fun museum that also offers truffle tours.

The reason behind such high costs is the scarcity of the produce, truffles are seasonal, extremely difficult to grow, and take many years to cultivate. They also have a short shelf life. Truffles require a very specific climate to grow and require lots of oak trees, that's why they're often found in woodland.

On average, a white truffle, when in season, can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000 per ounce or $2,400 to $6,000+ per pound. These costs will greatly depend on the harvest, the time of year, the size and where you're purchasing them from.

White truffles are more fragrant and flavorful. In fact, they're so aromatic that they're almost always shaved raw on top of dishes, a scene that will soon play out in high-end restaurants all over the world. On the other hand, some light cooking can help coax the maximum flavor out of black truffles.

Retail price for Premium Grade 1 truffles is around $3.00 to $3.50 per gram.

Italian white Alba are the most sought-after truffles in the world as they offer the most incredible scent and taste, they are only available during a certain time of year and have a distinct aroma that contrasts with the slightly more common black varieties.

The flavor and aroma of Black Truffles are more potent and earth driven, than the more subtle flavor of White Truffles. When used in the rich and flavorful dishes listed above, Black Truffle oil can be the secret ingredient that leaves everyone pining for seconds.

White truffle is considered the rarest and most prized truffle because it grows in limited climates off the roots of specific species of trees. Living underground, the white truffle's spores aren't dispersed by the wind, so they rely on animals to consume them and spread their spores.

Everything You'd Better Know About the Black Truffles Price

The black truffle cost ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per pound, depending on the season. Summer truffles are less expensive.