Truffles grow underground around tree roots so they are not always easy to find; they’re generally foraged with the help of trained dogs. You will find white truffles generally hail from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy whereas black truffles can be found in the Umbria region of Italy along and the Southwestern region of France. It’s interesting to note that most of the truffles from France are farmed and no longer gathered from the wild.
White truffles can be found in September through December while black truffles are most commonly found in December to March. You’ll find white truffles are more pungent with a musky aroma and garlicky flavour. Whereas black truffles have a more subtle flavour and earthy aroma.
Because of their more intense flavour, a little truffle can go a long way. So when you’re thinking of using a truffle in the kitchen remember to use it fresh! It’s considered a ‘sin’ to cook fresh truffles.
So what are some of the best ways to enjoy truffles? Shaving thin slices of the truffle over a dish is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Try shaved over risotto, pasta or polenta
- Try grated over scrambled eggs or an omelette
Truffles are generally expensive because they are hard to find and grow! So when you come across a truffle remember to enjoy that delicious morsel as is – raw. Truffles are best enjoyed as fresh as possible so do enjoy within 2-3 days of purchasing. And, when storing your truffle you want to avoid moisture so put the truffle in a breathable container at room temperature and in a dark space.