What are Truffles
The truffle is a very valuable as well as highly sought-after edible fruiting part of a certain group of subterranean ascomycete fungi. This category of fungi does belong to the genus Tuber. Every truffle found is ectomycorrhizal and are thus found in close association with the trees. Traditionally these are the “true” truffles but the term has been now applied to a large other genre of underground fungi found around the world. The ascoma or the fruiting body of the truffles is regarded as a highly prized food. Truffles are held in high regards and are regarded to be delightful in the French, northern Italian as well as Istrian cooking. The truffle is also a really sought-after item in regards to the internationally acclaimed haute cuisines.
There are a few types of truffles found across the world.
The White truffle or Alba Truffle is found in the Langhe area of the Piedmont region of northern Italy. A tuber magnatum truffle is an expensive variety and is sold between €2,000 and €4,000 per kilo.
Italian Fresh White Truffles Whole 0.9-1.1 oz.
The Black truffle named after the Périgord region of France has the characteristic of growing exclusively with oak.
French Winter Black Truffles Whole Frozen 1 lb.
The Chinese truffle is primarily a winter black truffle that is harvested in China. Chinese truffles are often exported to many Western nations and are used as a substitute to the inferior quality of Tuber melanosporum. There is yet another type of Chinese truffle available that is the Tuber himalayensis and visually looks very much like the Tuber melanosporum. The Tuber himalayensis is harvested in small quantities in the Chinese Himalayas. The third type is the Chinese summer white truffle that is devoid of a scientific name.
The Black Summer Truffle found in northern Italy, central Europe and also in England also grows in Turkey and in the Northern part of Africa. It is a highly valuable commodity and costs up to $1,500 per kilo.
Italian Summer Black Truffles Whole 1.75 oz.
