Photography: Shaved black truffle by Allerina & Glen MacLarty

Truffles are sort of the Holy Grail of ingredients. Extremely rare, expensive, and flavorful. Prized by chefs from all over the World, Truffles are a delicacy no matter where you are. Let’s learn a little about these fungi.

What is a Truffle?

Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground or close to the earth underneath vegetation. The Truffle itself is considered the “fruit” of the fungus. Meaning that that the organism itself is a series of hyphae that draw nutrients from the earth, plants, and trees in an effort to create a Truffle. The reason for this is that the Truffle is the seed. The pungent scent which is typical of Truffles is to attract animals, for which it relies on to be eaten by and distributed by animals.

“Female pigs are said to be most effective because it is said that Truffles have a scent very similar to the male pig sex hormones.“

There are no known species of Truffles that are considered poisonous. Both pigs and dogs have been found to be effective when hunting for Truffles, however dogs tend not to eat the Truffles once found. Female pigs are said to be most effective because it is said that Truffles have a scent very similar to the male pig sex hormones.

There are several different types of Truffles. Two of the most common types are the Italian White Truffle (Piedmont), and the French Black Truffle (Perigord). The Black Truffle is the most valuable variety, selling for up to $1,000 per pound. In December 2007 Stanley Ho paid $330,000 for a 3.3 pound Italian White Truffle (link).

Truffles and Cooking

Because Truffles are difficult to find and therefore quite expensive, making a Truffle sandwich is normally out of the question. Truffles are rarely cooked, as their flavor is very volatile. Most chefs insist that the best way to serve Truffles is to have them shaved over food immediately before eating. Much like parmesan cheese.

Common Uses for Truffles:

• Added to risotto
• Used to make Truffle infused olive oil
• Used to make Truffle infused butter
• Served with Cheeses as an Hors d’œuvre
• Shredded over top a salad
• Used to make a vinaigrette
• Shaved over Omelettes

How to Buy Truffles

Recently Oregon has begun to bring some great quality Truffles to the market at reasonable prices. If you live in that area, you should have no problem finding them at your local shops and markets. You can also purchase high quality Truffles online, imagine that. Here are a few options for your Truffle shopping..

1 - French Whole Summer Black Truffles - $80 for 7 oz - These are summer Truffles, which will have a milder flavor. These have been packaged already brushed of soil. The come preserved in brine.

2 - Whole Black Winter Truffles - $14 for .45 oz - Winter is the best season to pick Truffles, because that is when they have reached maturity. These will have a very robust flavor profile and have been well preserved.

Additional Resources

• Hocus Pocus and a Beaker of Truffles - New York Times
• Truffle Slicer on Amazon
• A Global Taste Test of Foie Gras and Truffles - NPR
• Several Good Truffle Recipes
• Truffle Recipes - Epicurious.com
• NA Truffling - Information About Truffles
• Truffles - by Elizabeth Luard - Amazon Book
• Largest Truffle Ever Found - National Geographic