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Black truffle
Tuber Melanosporum
The fresh black truffle, also called Tuber melanosporum or Périgord truffle, is known worldwide by fine-dining connoisseurs as being gastronomy’s “black diamond.” Fresh black truffle is undoubtedly the most famous of all truffles and everyone agrees that it is a unique, unrivalled ingredient. Black truffles are harvested in France, but also Spain, Italy, and Australia.
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The fresh black truffle through the ages
The history of the black truffle goes back many centuries.
That said, up until the very early 19th century, fresh black truffles could only be hunted from the wild. Thus, only the lucky few and true connoisseurs had the honour of tasting “black diamond.”
Then, in 1815, a man named Joseph Talon from the village of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, in the Vaucluse department of south-eastern France, got the idea to plant on a rocky parcel of land a number of acorns from oaks already known to produce black truffles. This experiment produced great results, leading to the creation of the “domesticated” truffles that we all know and love today.
Fresh black truffles, excellence in the service of gastronomy
Fresh black truffles grow at the base of trees like the downy oak, the evergreen oak, and the common hazel. They begin developing in June, continuing throughout the summer. The famous philosopher Plutarch used to say that the black truffle, which loves August rainstorms, is “made of water, heat, and lightning.”
It ends its growth when the first freezes arrive. Truffle hunters then begin harvesting them from late November to around the end of March.
Fresh black truffles have a more or less spherical shape and can grow to be larger than an apple. Their skin ranges from dark red to black at the height of their season. The skin also has irregularities to it, somewhat like a diamond. This, combined with its delicate nature, is what earned it the name “black diamond.”
Its flesh, which starts pale yellow or light brown, turns a magnificent black colour, marbled with white veins, when the black truffle matures. It offers a powerful aroma that’s like nothing else, a unique mix of damp undergrowth, earth, humus, and mushroom. On the tongue, it offers a prized balance between crunchy and soft, with a taste that’s subtle and refined.
To enjoy fresh black truffle to the fullest, use between 10 g and 15 g per person to that they can really savour all of its flavours.
How should you enjoy and store fresh black truffles?
There are many ways to enjoy fresh black truffles, as long as you take into account its needs and special characteristics. Black truffle can be enhanced by fatty ingredients—like cheese, egg, cream, butter, and more—which will absorb and amplify its flavours.
A useful tip: if you’re preparing a cold dish, let the fresh black truffle sit and infuse into it in the refrigerator, generally for 24 hours, before serving. That way, you can be sure that your dish will be enhanced by black diamond. A gentle heat will also help the Périgord truffle diffuse its flavours. On the other hand, heating at a temperature that’s too high or heating for too long will have the opposite effect and will ruin the delicate flavours of the fresh black truffle. As such, we recommend grating fresh black truffle over your dishes just before serving or adding it when you’ve almost finished cooking. It’s a sure way to make a fantastic meal!
The fresh black truffle has already been washed and is ready to use. You can keep it chilled, between 2°C and 5°C, for 7 to 10 days in a sealed container, covered with absorbent paper, which should be changed every other day.
What goes well with fresh black truffle?
Black truffle pairs perfectly with eggs (scrambled, in omelettes), in risotto, with meat, fish, and more. You can sprinkle black truffle over a salad or put it on an open-faced sandwich, then enhance its flavours with a drizzle of olive oil.
In a matter of minutes, you can properly savour fresh black truffle and appreciate all of its flavours. To get the full taste of “black diamond,” use 10 to 15 g of fresh black truffle per person.