TRUFFLES
DIAMONDS OF THE EARTH
Truffles are ectomycorrhizal fungi and grow in a symbiotic relationship attached to the roots of certain living trees. Truffles have always been revered and date as far back as 1600 B.C. These special funghi are known as the “diamonds of the earth.” There are several different kinds of species of truffles. The most revered truffles are the Aestivum Vitt., Uncinatum, Magnatum Pico, and Melanosporum.
We focus on two types of truffles for the inoculation of the truffle mycelium: Tuber Aestivum (Summer Truffles) and Tuber Melanosporum (Black Winter Truffles).
Tuber Aestivum
SUMMER TRUFFLES
Truffles prefer to grow in climates that have hot summers, warm springs, and cold winters. Extreme weather (humidity, snow) does not support successful truffle growth.
Truffles prefer to grow in climates that have hot summers, warm springs, and cold winters. Extreme weather (humidity, snow) does not support successful truffle growth.
Tuber Melanosporum
BLACK WINTER TRUFFLES
Harvested in the late fall to winter seasons November- March as well as Summer Season in Australia June - August. Dark, rough exterior, but not as coarse as Black Summer. Flesh begins as brown and ages to black with white marbling. The aroma of Black Winter Truffles has strong notes of rich earth, cocoa, and olives.
Once harvested, truffles have a relatively short shelf life. Due to the thicker skins on species such as Tuber Aestivum and Tuber Melanosporum, they tend to have a longer shelf life than some other species, allowing you 7-10 days to consume.