The humble truffle at first glance may not be what you’d expect for a world-renowned delicacy that is on par with saffron and camel’s milk. What am I speaking of? It’s not a delightful chocolate treat. I am speaking of the most expensive tuber mushroom the truffle. Unique in aroma and taste. It is prized the world over by chefs, connoisseurs, high-end markets, foodies, and those of distinguished palate.
Varieties of truffles
There are two main types of truffles. Black or Périgord truffle and white truffle. The most well-known authentic French truffle is the ” black truffle ” or Périgord truffle also known as the black diamond of France. They are favored for use in all sorts of delicacies in France.
It is a member of the Tuber melanosporum fungi genus.
MORE INFO. Truffle
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Subphylum: | Perzizomycotina |
| Class: | Pezizomycetes |
| Order: | Pezizales |
| Family: | Tuberaceae |
| Genus: | Tuber |
A typical specimen is 7 cm in diameter and weighs 100 grams. Production of these rare specialties is exclusively European. France produces the most, In 1900, France produced around 1,000 metric tons of Périgord truffle per year. Production has shrunk considerably in the last decade. About 80% of French Périgord production is from southeast France. The largest truffle market in southwest France is Lalbenque in Quercy. These markets are most active during January. At this time the perfume of the truffle is most vibrant. The average retail price for winter black truffles is $327.84 per lb. Not a bad haul for a walnut-looking mushroom.
White truffle: The “white truffle” or Alba madonna is not French. It comes from the Montferrat and Langhe areas of the Piedmont region in northern Italy. Also, the countryside near the city of Alba. They grow with several types of trees including oak, hazel, poplar, and beech trees.
White truffles are a large variety reaching up to 12 cm in diameter on average. It weighs 500 grams. The inside is cream or brown with white marbling. This truffle type is an Italian strain. Ranging from Tuscany to Naples. Like its French cousin, the white truffle is highly esteemed in the industry of world-renowned delicacies. France has been working on cultivating the Italian white truffles in France. The success of this project though challenging will stem the decline of recent years.
Truffle-loving tourists fill the cozy medieval village markets. They patron restaurants to buy and eat this rare subterranean delicacy. Few people see the harvesting of these little aromatic nuggets with compelling flavor. Therefore hunts are easily one of the best options available to visitors, guided by a group of the world’s leading truffle experts. Come for an adventure and delve into the secrets of the truffle. Accompanying the guides are specially trained dogs or hogs intent on the hunt. However, if rain stops you from your walk in the woods. The lively and spirited truffle markets in downtown cities offer a fine alternative to traipsing through the chill winter woods. They are the busiest in the heart of January when the black truffles have their most captivating fragrance.
History
Truffles are rich in history with competing schools of thought. The origins of the word truffle many say, is the Latin word tuber. Meaning “piece”, which later became tufer. Giving rise to various European terms: in French “truffle.” Truffles are prehistoric propagating on the earth for over a million years. Recent discoveries show Neanderthals and ancient native first people with truffle residue in-between back molars. The first mention of truffles that scholars by in large acknowledge, is the writings of the neo-Sumerians regarding their Amorite enemy’s eating habits. Clay pottery and wall art also depict the hunting and harvesting of truffles. Truffles were not that common during the Middle Ages at least not publicly. Many chefs at that time literally hid their secret sauce. The Renaissance king Francis the First of France brought the humble-looking shroom into fashion. Yes, that’s right France set the stage.
When the Renaissance rolled in, the truffle regained its popularity. Truffle hunting was way more common with much higher yields. These truffles were so expensive that only the great nobles had them.
Truffle Gathering
Truffles are a secret of the earth . Located in the ground among the tangle of tree roots of very specific trees. The symbiology has intrigued mystics for generations.
As truffles are subterranean, loving to hide away they need to be found with the help of animals. Ideally, these animals would be well-trained soft-mouthed dogs. The breed of dog used can vary largely. Some people use the labradoodle or Labrador for their soft mouth or gentle handling of the treasure. The Lagotto Romagnolo is also a favorite. The traits of a truffle hunter remains the same no matter what breed. A good sniffer, gentle mouth, and willingness to learn and distinguish scent.
An example of a French breed of dog that had once been used would be the Barbet. This historical breed excelled with its genetic engagement in truffle hunting. They are very intelligent, easy to train, and dedicated to their master.
Sometimes hogs are used for finding truffles. They have a keen sense of smell because of the pheromone resemblance they are highly attracted to the scent. However, one must note that when the hog finds the truffle its first instinct is to eat it so be alert and be fast! The use of pigs is banned in Italy for this reason. As they trample and devour everything they can get their snoot on. During the Renaissance a muzzle would be employed by the hunter. It was well known at that time wild boar sows were the best at selecting the grounds to search. Wherever she went snuffing, the hunters would know where to hunt. Truffle flies are also a great indication. You have to be very still and watch carefully hit the ground and see if you see them stir. Then dig. (With care!)
Tools Of The Trade!
The tools of the trade are a staff or cane, trowel, gloves, blade, and a keen sense of scent. Don’t forget to put the dirt back. Our focus is to be respectful of the land knowing the bounty will be ever-giving for future generations. It’s prudent to always educate yourself about the area or have a guide. Many fine guides can show you how to safely hunt for truffles.
If you missed the Lavender in bloom fear not truffle time is close at hand. A great way to combine a love of nature and food. Aside from the importance of acquiring the correct companion. The right tools are a must. Next one must consider the effects on the environment. It is vital to ensure that harvesting is done sustainably. All dogs should be specially trained to locate truffles rather than destroying habitats. Not leaving the roots exposed is key to protecting the trees and future harvests.
At SaveZeFrench we believe you should always look to your impact first. We are striving to make a difference. By educating and encouraging the right people to come to France to see the French beauty as painters and masters of arts saw it. We firmly believe in preserving purity and only evolving in strength. All proceeds from our store go to help this effort.
Exquisite Culinary Uses
Périgord is very expensive and possesses a very strong fragrance. The delicacy finds its way into many different foods. Pastas, meat, sauces, cooked fowl, and even salads are great examples. Infusing oil is a great way to extend your supply. Just soak your tuber in the carrier oil of your choice and voilà. Truffle oil can be used in sautéing to impart deep earthy tones to some chicken breast. Simply drizzle on garlic bread for a delightful snack. Be careful though it is sensitive to heat it is best put on at the last minute. They blend well into many fats such as butter, cream, tallow, and duck fat. Truffles are also filled with many health benefits. Périgord is very low in calories. They are 75% made of water and dietary fiber. These black gems are rich in potassium, vitamins A, D, and K, beneficial for the functioning of our body, contributing to bone health, eye health, and the protection of our immune system.
Beware The Fake Fraud
Chinese fungus, or Chinese truffle, has the look of the truffle but not the taste. It doesn’t have the smell either. Beware, if you are not familiar with how it should smell you could be fooled. Disreputable people will take a true truffle and place it with the fake ones. This will cause the fake ones to absorb some of the smell. Therefore fooling the unsuspecting buyer.
This is a serious concern. Unscrupulous, businesses faking brands and products. Will do so much more than turn someone from this noble mycelium. It is the equivalent of counterfeit money. It completely robs the farmer and the regions. Take steps to get authentic quality to ensure a wonderful true experience of France. Walk the land of France for yourself.
A word of caution we are not advocating going on private property. Know the laws of the area and always have an experienced guide. There are excellent guided tours in the most beautifully charming villages. People who honor, the history are a gift all.
The Black Diamond of France or noble mushroom is more than just a catchy name. The truffle is not like other mushrooms that feed off the broken or fallen. Instead, it has a need that works with the trees. To help give to them in trade sugars and carbohydrates. All without harming the tree. Humanity could learn from this and internalize the message of symbiotic living. Working with the farmers that provide our food source. Promoting in fair trade in currency and appreciation. Preserving tree groves safe from harmful pesticides. The species is indicative of the wild magnificent France for all the many generations of nature-loving diamond miners to come.
SaveZeFrench is more than a name we picked it is a mission. We are striving to get the resources we need to make a difference.
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