What is the famous Truffle and where does it grow ?
Known as the tastiest mushroom species in the world, truffles usually grow on the root parts of oak and chestnut trees in oak trees. The mushroom, which is 5-20 cm in length, is one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world. Truffle, also known as black diamond, is more known in the Mediterranean region.
The most well-known type is the black truffle and it has a rough black appearance. Its appearance resembles a stone and this mushroom has a very hard texture. It does not release much water when cooked. The most valuable of the truffles is the white truffle due to its rarity.
What Kind of Mushroom Is Truffle?
In France, 45%, 35% in Spain and 20% in Italy meet the truffle cultivation in the world. About 20,000 people in France make a living from truffles.
There are almost 70 varieties of truffles. The difference from other types of mushrooms is that they do not grow on the surface, but under the surface, such as potatoes, or in places close to tree roots.
It is a type of mushroom that is very difficult to grow by culture method. It is considered the most expensive and luxurious food in the world after caviar. Truffles grow 40-50 cm below the surface.
Since all varieties of fungi do not contain chlorophyll, they obtain their nutrients from other living things.
Truffles live on tree roots and get their nutrients from the root of the tree. Truffle mushrooms are a very difficult type of mushroom to collect because they grow under the ground.
In France, specially bred dogs or pigs are used for foraging, and their sense of smell is very keen.
How is Truffle Used in Meals?
Since it is a rare type of mushroom, it is not usually cooked, and it is used as a condiment to benefit from its aroma in meals. Therefore, the mushroom itself or its aroma can be added to the dishes for flavor.
Use of Truffle Mushrooms in the World Cuisine
Truffles are used for flavoring in meat dishes, risottos, salads, sauces, egg dishes, some special cheeses, dishes containing offal, foie gras paste.
What are the types of truffles?
Tuber Magnatum:
Also known as white truffle, it is an intensely fragrant and potato-like mushroom that grows naturally only in Italy and the Balkan peninsula. It is the most expensive mushroom in the world. It is collected in October and November.
Tuber Melanosporum:
Black truffle, also known as the famous French black diamond mushroom, grows in France, Spain and Italy. It is intensely scented. It has a brown-white veined structure inside. It comes out between December and March. Its oil, vodka and sauce are produced.
Tuber Brumale:
It is a type of black truffle and grows in November and February in regions with the same conditions.
Tuber Aestivum:
Also called summer truffle, it grows in almost all countries with a coast to the Mediterranean.