Are you a fan of Italian cuisine? As one of the world's most celebrated cuisines, Italian cuisine is known for its notable ingredients. When most people think of Italian food, specific ingredients, such as tomatoes, cheese, and pasta, come to mind. However, the Italian culinary heritage is much richer than that, and there is one ingredient that serious culinary enthusiasts can't stop raving about, and that is truffles. Discover one of Italy’s most prized culinary gems and why they are so expensive.
What Are Italian Truffles?
Italian truffles are among the best produce of the country. The annual White Truffle Festival celebration in October is a testament to the Italians’ love for this ingredient. This festival showcases how you can cook with white truffle, the equivalent of gold in Italian cuisine.
The word ‘truffles’ should not be confused with the chocolate dessert that are also famous worldwide. Italian truffles are a fungus that grows in various parts of Italy. Truffles offer an intense aroma and flavour. And yet, they are no longer cultivated, which makes them a rare ingredient, which also explains why they are revered and sold with an expensive price tag.
Truffles are not exclusive to Italy; they can also be grown in France and neighbouring regions. White truffles are the rare type, and they are also more aromatic than other types of truffles. Black truffle is less aromatic than the white variety.
Types of Italian Truffle Products
They are any cook's dream ingredient, whether you like to cook with authentic truffle or bottled Italian truffle products. Therefore, it is crucial to know the different Italian truffles to choose the right truffle for various dishes.
Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles from Italy vary in size and shape. They average two to ten centimetres in diameter with a rounded and lumpy exterior. The lumpy appearance is due to a protrusion on the surface of the truffle and because various soil components mould them as they grow. While they are called black truffles, the actual colour varies from brown-black to dark brown.
Once you get past the lumpy exterior of black summer truffles, a light brown flesh is revealed on the inside. The interior of the truffle has a spongy texture. Some truffles also feature a marbled pattern with thin veins. Italian black summer truffles possess a mild aroma and delicate flavour. Therefore, you only need a small amount when cooking.
As their name suggests, Italian black summer truffles are usually harvested in summer, specifically from May to August.
Italian White Truffles
The Italian white truffle is the most expensive in the world. It originates in the Piedmont region of Italy, specifically in Alba. Hence, the International White Truffle Festival is celebrated there annually. There is a variety known as Alba White Truffle.
Unlike the black truffle, it is harvested from October to December, making it a famous fall and winter ingredient in Italian cooking. The short harvest period also makes it rare and hard to acquire ingredients, thus explaining why it is so expensive.
Italian white truffle possesses an intense aroma and unique flavour. While it is known as a white truffle, it has a pale white, cream or brownish colour. Cooking with white truffles will add an enticing aroma and mouth-watering essence to any dish.
How to Use Italian Truffles for Cooking
Gourmet chefs worldwide consider truffles one of the best ingredients for cooking because of their aroma and flavour-enhancing properties. Depending on the type of truffle used, it can incorporate a sweet and nutty flavour into a dish.
Since they are exceptionally delicate, it's best to use truffles for delicate dishes that allow the truffles to become the star ingredient. Depending on the dish and the cooking method, you can shave, peel, or thinly slice truffles.
The delicate flavour and aroma of Italian truffles add an umami essence to cooking.
Black Truffles on Scrambled Eggs
Add black truffle shavings to scrambled eggs to add depth of flavour and aroma to this traditional breakfast dish. You can also add truffles when cooking an omelette.
Truffles with Pasta Dishes
Truffles work best with pasta dishes with cream-based sauces or fatty and rich elements. Top off your fettuccine or pappardelle pasta with a cream sauce and parmesan cheese with black or white truffle shavings.
Add Truffles to Potatoes
The flavors of truffle can significantly enhance that of any potato dish. Whether you make baked potatoes or French fries, adding black truffles will make it a more pleasing experience for your palate. Remember, you can add the truffles right before serving, and don’t cook them for too long or over too high a heat.
Truffles with Seafood
Truffles and seafood are another winning combination that you should try. They harmonize beautifully with the light and silky texture of seafood and shellfish. They are especially good with white fish like cod, halibut, and scallops. The earthy flavour of the truffles complements the seafood flavour well.
Truffle with Rice
Just like pasta dishes, rice is also another excellent pairing with truffles. The neutral flavour of rice allows the truffle flavour to shine through, transforming a simple dish into something elegant. As such, truffle risotto is quite popular in Italy and worldwide.
Storing Italian Truffles
Fresh Italian truffles should be cooked immediately. This helps to ensure the freshness and zing of the flavour and aroma of the ingredient. Therefore, you must know how to store and preserve truffles to ensure the best flavour when cooking with this ingredient.
The fridge is the best spot for storing truffles. Cover them with a cotton cloth or paper towel to remove the excess moisture. Ensure you replace the paper towel or cloth every once in a while to keep the truffles dry.
You can also store truffles in the freezer. This will help the truffles to last for five to ten months. But before placing them in the freezer, wash and dry the truffles thoroughly. After that, cover each truffle in metal foil and store it in a Ziploc bag. This will help the truffles last longer, especially since they are expensive.