Searching for European Truffles
One of the most popular things to do on European vacations is to search for European truffles while you are spending time in scenic parts of this region. In some areas, the art of hunting for truffles is actually a serious sport; people look for these truffles, which are the focus found growing near the roots of trees, so that they can include them in a wide array of native dishes that they would like to share with both friends and tourists just now visiting the area.
The European truffles, once found, are sliced very thin and served as a condiment to other dishes. They are considered a specialty food; therefore, just one bit of truffle in a dish can definitely go a long way. This is also important to note since they often come with a luxurious price tag. However, just one truffle, sliced in the proper manner, should yield enough to go around one dish that can be enjoyed by multiple people at a gourmet dinner party.
Some of the most popular dishes for these truffles in Europe involve eggs, pasta or even bruschetta. In Le Marche, the most popular dish is a handmade gnocchi with truffles and porcini. Depending on the region, the truffles are served in different ways. A regional cookbook might be helpful if you are looking to maintain an air of authenticity in your truffle dishes since they were handpicked from these popular regions.
When it comes to finding the truffles, the best ones are typically found in Italy or France. The black truffleis the most common; however, people also find white truffles in this area. The truffles are also usually hunted during the fall, which is a popular vacation time of year, yet people sometimes discover them when they go out with their dogs on hunting trips. In the event that you do not have time to search for the truffles on your own, you can always find them in most local European shops.
In Season Truffles are a Precious Commodity
Paying thousands of dollars for a condiment seems like an exorbitant amount of money; however, when it comes to in season truffles, this is actually the standard fare. This is on account of the fact that they are so difficult to fine, and are principally only found during October. Therefore, when people ask to include them on their dishes, they are asking for a true luxury item; this is something that is used in small portions simply because they are so difficult to find and tend to signify opulence to guests who choose to eat them.
The in season truffles are typically white, the most difficult to find out of all of the truffles. Black truffles, conversely, are seemingly easier to find and are therefore much less expensive. Beyond the fact that white truffles are only found during one month out of the year, the other consideration has to do with the fact that they are only found in one region of Italy.
Over time, these truffles are becoming more and more difficult to find. Therefore, people are noticing this and are putting a higher price tag on their items due to demand and economic forces. Plus, the truffles are going down in quality as time goes on, signifying that it is important to enjoy the truffles while they are readily available. Consumers are going out of their way to enjoy these truffles while they last.
The truffles in and of them selves, however, are distinctly unique. They have a unique aroma that is often described as a newly plowed field. Sometimes, people even call the odor of these truffles disconcerting. However, this only serves to contribute to their overall allure as something that hides a very large taste yet is only needed in a relatively small quantity to enhance any dish. Chefs around the world have specifically designed recipes to showcase the taste and aroma of these coveted truffles.
Truffles – A Valued Foodstuff
Thinking of truffles most of the people would imagine a yummy cake or a pastry baked for consumption. Well this is true. Actually truffles at a cake shop would exactly mean this. The actual history of this delicacy is something completely different from its regular reference as a ‘Cake’. A truffle is a fungus which forms its colonies under the soil. Generally these colonies co-exist with the roots of huge trees which are found in the cool temperate climates. They grow in symbiotic association with the roots of conifers like Pine and oak.
In which regions of the world would one find truffle varieties?
Truffle varieties are commonly found in the European continent and it was here that they were first consumed as a food item. Regions of France, Italy and Croatia are known to have climatic conditions which favor the growth of its colonies and the fungi fruits all through the year. The truffle forms mould like tubers which are harvested on full maturity. Most of these truffle varieties do not become very large in size and probably the largest known truffle weighed just a little above 1 kilogram. This was a record for a species which normally exists in very small sizes in nature.
Demand of Truffles in Food market
Truffles occur naturally in nature as White and Black. Both of these varieties are treated as valuable food items and have a great demand in the markets. People who relish this as foodstuff are practically ready to pay any price for it. It is a known fact that a specimen weighing just about 1 kg was bought for a huge price of approximately 300,000 USD.
White Truffles Come With a Large Price Tag
Just this year a man by the name of Mr. Bae paid 1 Million Hong Kong Dollars (roughly $129,000 USD) for a white Truffle. Weighing a total of 760 grams, this truffle sold for just over $43,000 USD per pound!
The only individual to ever top this purchase, when it comes to white truffles, is Stanley Ho, who back in 2007 paid $330,000 USD for a white truffle.
No matter how you slice it, truffles are expensive. But this trend is changing.
Thanks to scientific research, biologists have perfected the inoculation process required to cultivate truffles – A process that has been in the experimental phase for hundreds of years. So what does this mean for the Truffle Market? Well for one, truffles will become more prevalent in the open market, which will drive down the market prices, assuming the demand for this fungi remains at the level it currently is.
In addition to that, Truffles can now be grown in any temperate climate. Unlike the past, when truffles could only be found in specific parts of the globe: France, Italy, Algeria, and certain regions of the United States, other countries are making a splash in the truffle market. Australia and New Zealand, for instance, are two countries that are doing quite well in the race to serve this new market.
So, if you are curious to try a Truffle, it may be advisable to wait until the market price drops before you go out and spend a healthy year’s salary on this culinary ingredient.
Be sure to take a look at our truffle selection of both white truffles and black truffles.
Truffle Taste Test
Not too long ago, I had the opportunity of tasting two different kinds of white truffles: the Alba white truffle from Alba, Italy and the harvested Oregon white truffle. As most truffle connoisseurs would tell you, there really is no other truffle in the world like the fresh alba truffle. Having said that, the inoculated Oregon white truffle is still an enjoyable delicacy that will serve very well in your kitchen.
The inoculated Oregon white truffle does not carry the sophisticated, garlic aroma and taste that is common with the Alba white truffle. It does possess its very own earthy, rich aroma and flavor that is perfect on several of your common preparations. Omelets, pasta, poultry and meat are perfect for an Oregon white truffle topping. White truffle oil is a perfect complement to the Oregon white truffle as well.
The Oregon white truffle should not be mistaken with the alba truffle; it is a noticeably different variety with its own exclusive flavor and aroma. The Alba white truffle is one of the most expensive truffles available, occasionally being priced at around $250 per ounce. If you’re looking for a more cost effective way to please your pallet with truffle flavor, consider the Oregon white truffle or even white truffle oil to complement your kitchen creations.