What is a truffle?

A truffle is a group of fungi that is edible. The fruit ascoma of the truffle is considered to be a food that is deemed highly prized. It is said by the Italians and French to be considered an Aphrodisiac. Typically, a truffle is expensive and has a pungent taste; therefore, they are not used as often. There are two general types of truffles, white and black. The white truffles are typically served raw, with pasta and salads. The black truffles have a less pungent flavor than the white. Both are used frequently inserted into meats, fowls, or in stuffings.

There are a variety of ways that Truffles work well with cooking: fats like cheese, butter, oils and creams work well with truffles. It allows the full flavor to be noted in the recipe. Additionally, every part of the truffle can be used, you can use a peeled truffle for a variety of dishes, and however the peel can be saved for use in another type of dish like a sauce. Truffles are also great rather fresh than preserved. Fresh truffles should be used within three days of purchasing, while preserved can be shelved for an extended period of time, but needs to be used within one week of opening.

The Italian Truffle

The Italian truffles are considered to be the most widely known and popular of truffles all over the world. Italy is well known for their Alba and Winter White truffles. These can be found in a variety of areas within Italy. Though the two mentioned are the most popular, Italy is known to produce many different kinds of truffles that include, summer, winter, white or black. The Italian truffle is extremely sought after, each and every winter people from all over come to in search for these expensive and hard to get treats. Truffles are dubbed "The diamond of the kitchen";. They have a flavor and aroma that is unmatched by any other types of fungi.

The French Truffle

The French are well known for their varieties of truffles as well. They are extremely popular for the Truffe de la St. Jean. The French produce the Perigord, winter black, and summer black truffles. The truffles that derive from France are of extremely high quality, exquisite, and said to be superior to those that derive from Italy. This is all a matter of opinion of the person who consumes either type of truffle.

The two together: French and Italian

Both of the two types of truffles, the French and the Italian, have the same type of quality. Both are well known for being high quality, aromatic, and exquisite treats, the only real difference between the two could be their availability because of the difference in conditions each season, the quantity each area may harvest each year, and the price will likely be different. No matter which you choose The French Truffle or the Italian Truffle, you will still receive a high quality and delicious product from either country.