There's nothing like the aroma of truffles to make an Italian dish. Most people are very familiar with regular black market varieties, but there are many types of truffle available that you'll want to know about before making your purchase if you're intent on buying Italian truffles.
You can find the unusual white truffle (Tartufo Bianco), which is often less expensive than its dark counterpart and is available in high-quality form from Italy. This truffle comes with a bit more of an earthy fragrance and flavor that's milder than the black one associated with Italian dishes; it makes an excellent companion to eggs and pasta. Tartufo Bianco is found in the Veneto region and has a mild flavor with a subtle aroma that goes well with meat dishes like steak, roast beef, etc.
Italian truffles (Tuber magnatum) can be found at specialty food stores and online. This white truffle (Tuber magnatum) is most often found in the Piedmont region of Italy, where it's become a staple ingredient used to flavor dishes like pasta and risotto. You can also use this truffle to spruce up grilled meats, or you can brush it over crostini that have been spread with ricotta cheese for an appetizer before dinner. If you're looking for a rich alternative to bitter Italian coffee, try using the Alba truffle (Tuber albidum) with your coffee grounds before making a pot of joe. This variety is slightly aromatic and comes with a firm, nutty flavor that's also often used in pasta dishes.
Tartufo Nero
Other Italian truffles include the "Tartufo Nero" or black truffle which is found in Piedmont Italy and can be added to stews or different kinds of pasta for a gourmet touch, and the Tartufo Bianco, which is found in the Veneto region and has a flavor that's a bit milder than most Italian truffles, with a subtle aroma. When cooking with either of these varieties, be sure to add them at the end of your cooking process so they retain their unique flavor.
Tips for choosing Truffles from Italy
Whenever you're ready to buy Italian truffles from Italy, remember to keep in mind the unique flavors of each type and your taste preferences. Knowing what you're looking for in terms of flavor will help narrow down your search, which will make it easier to choose the right truffle at a price that meets your budget.
Truffle season from Italy
Truffles are considered one of the most expensive food ingredients in the world. But don't let the high prices stop you from enjoying this luxury gourmet food. The truffle season in Italy lasts only for a few months, which is normally between September and December. However, there are specific areas where the available truffles will be different depending on their growing conditions. The Northern Italian regions are considered to have the best truffles, while the ones from the South are not so good.
Truffle types
The Italian black truffle
It is great to know that Italy has different types of truffles that come in different flavors depending on where they are found. The Italian black truffle or locally known as 'Tuber Melanosporum' is the most expensive type of truffle in the world, with its price reaching up to 100$ per oz. It normally grows underground near the roots of oak trees in Northern Italy. Truffles are normally harvested using specially trained dogs or pigs who can smell the truffles underground. The black truffle has a pungent aroma, which is similar to garlic and commonly used for culinary dishes like sauces, soups, pasta, etc.
The Italian white truffle
The Italian white truffle or locally known as 'Tuber Magnatum Pico' is the second most expensive type of truffle in the world, with its price reaching up to 10$ per oz. The truffles are normally found underground near the roots of oak trees in Northern Italy. Sea salt with dried summer truffle is added to the truffles. Truffles are normally harvested using specially trained dogs or pigs to sniff them out. These animals are able to distinguish the scent of a truffle from closely related poisonous species, but because their sense of smell is so acute, they can accidentally consume toxic truffles themselves. More recently, people have tried using other animals, especially rodents, for this purpose.
Sea salt with dried summer truffle
Traces of sea salt is added to the truffles to enhance the flavor. I like how it enhanced the taste of my simple spaghetti dish with butter and cheese. Black truffle pasta sauce is one of the most popular dishes in Italy made with black truffles. The dish was first introduced by an Italian chef in France. Truffles are fungi found underground and they have a unique taste. They were so popular among royals that it had become one of their favorite dishes for banquets. "Black truffle pasta sauce was greatly welcomed at the banquet held by King Louis XVIII."
Then, black truffle pasta sauce gradually became one of the most popular dishes in Italy. It is usually made with black truffles, which are fungi found underground. They have a unique taste and were so popular among royals that it became one of their favorite dishes for banquets.
Balsamic vinegar cream with white truffle
Just a few drops of balsamic vinegar are added to the cream sauce to add flavor and give it a unique taste. It goes well with any type of pasta.
Pizza with Italian black truffle
A simple pizza made by adding thin slices of black truffles on top. The aroma of the black truffle goes well with the taste of the cheese and the dough.
Dukes Gourmet seafood store provides you with the opportunity to buy Italian truffles from Italy. They have a wide array of imported products that are fresh and great for your next dinner party or special occasion. Check out our website at www.dukesgourmet.com - where you can find different types of truffles, sea salt with dried summer truffle, black truffle pasta sauce, white truffle risotto recipe, Italian black truffle, and a few more in their online store.
Italian truffles from Italy are sold at Dukes Gourmet. You can now purchase delicious gourmet food products from this international retailer.