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We're all about casual dinners, but for those occasions when we want to add a touch of luxury to our cooking routine, we reach for expensive-to-buy, yet easy-to-use truffles! Although there are many different types of truffles, only a handful are safe for human consumption. Of these edible options, the most prized varieties are European white truffles and black winter truffles. It's important to know the difference so you can use them in the best way possible.
White truffles, also known as Tuber magnatum, derived fromItaliansthe Piedmont region (think the northwestern corner of the boot, bordering France and Switzerland) and parts of Croatia, while the black truffle (formally known as Tuber melanosporum) grows inFrance. Although truffles have also been discovered and cultivated all over the world, from New Zealand to the Pacific Northwest, these two European varieties have retained their reputation as the most transcendent and flavorful. This may be because Europe is a uniquely qualified breeding ground for this finicky fungus. Truffles only grow around the roots of certain types of trees and require a specific climate to thrive. They also like a calcareous soil with a specific pH value; a terrain that is native to Europe, but often needs to be manipulated elsewhere.
The white truffle season runs from September to December and peaks in October and November. The season for black winter truffles is later, from December to February. Other varieties of black truffles, which are still used in cooking, although considered less luxurious, are harvested in summer.
That title goes to the “white diamond,” which costs hundreds of dollars per ounce. We even found white truffles for sale on Amazon! If you're willing to drop $195, you can slip awayone ounce Italian white truffle (including shipping and truffle cutter).
On the other hand, you can get yourselfan ounce of black truffle for a cool $79. (Ofthis winter, black French truffles for $106.38 per ounceplus shipping.)
Why the price difference?
White truffles are more fragrant and tastier. In fact, they are so aromatic that they are almost always shaved raw over dishes, a scene that will soon play out in high-end restaurants around the world. On the other hand, light cooking can help extract the maximum flavor from black truffles.
Yes, you can even buy truffles on Amazon…
Alma Gourmet Fresh Italian Winter Black Truffles, 1 ounce for $79 on Amazon.Buy now
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None of them! We hate to break it to you, but there's nothing natural about this now ubiquitous herb. Instead, it is made by combining olive oil with a chemical compound designed to mimic the scent of truffles. So unfortunately, if the smell oftruffle oilconjures up images of Italian families roaming the countryside with their truffle-sniffing dogs again and again. The more accurate picture is that of chemists in a laboratory!
The bad news about cooking with real truffles is that it will cost you a lot. But the good news is that it's relatively simple, because truffles are best paired with simple dishes that are willing to give up the spotlight.
Truffle fried chicken
We all have our favorite fried chicken recipe, but don't be afraid to add some retro glam via truffle butter and thin slices of black truffle under the skin.Madiera and/or port wine, whatever the recipe calls for, can be found in most supermarkets and wine stores. Get oursTruffle fried chicken recipe.
White truffle risotto
Create the five-star restaurant experience in the comfort of your own home. This simple risotto lets the truffle top shine. to retrieveRecipe for white truffle risotto.
Black truffle paste
Like risotto, pasta is a classic match for the beloved tubers. Truffles make this 5-ingredient dish both easy and memorable. to retrieveRecipe for black truffle paste.
Pizza with mascarpone and black truffle
The final step in this white pizza recipe is to bake the truffle topping for 5 minutes. A little heat brings out the maximum amount of flavor. to retrieveRecipe for pizza with mascarpone and black truffle.
Baked brie filled with black truffle
You only need four ingredients to prepare this silent appetizer! to retrieveBaked Black Truffle Stuffed Brie Recipe.
Cauliflower puree with Parmesan cheese and truffle oil
So maybe it's not the real deal. But if it makes eating your vegetables more fun, truffle oil might have a place in your kitchen cupboard! to retrieveRecipe for cauliflower puree with Parmesan cheese and truffle oil.
