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What is Black Truffle? Common species 2023

What is a Black Truffle?

Truffles are the fruiting body of a subterranean ascomycete fungus, which is predominantly one of the several species of the Tuber genus. Described as the “diamond of the kitchen” by French gourmet, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, there are truffle species which are highly prized as food, and these edible truffles are held highly in countries and cultures in places like France, Italy, Ottoman cultural demography, Middle Eastern and Spanish cuisine.

Truffles have a unique, earthy flavor and aroma that makes them a sought-after ingredient in high-end cuisine. They can be found growing naturally in the wild, particularly in the regions of Périgord in France and Piedmont in Italy. However, truffle cultivation has become more popular, with many countries now producing these prized fungi.

One company offering truffle tours in the Piedmont region is the Piedmont Travel Guide. They provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to learn about the history and cultivation of truffles, as well as participate in truffle hunting with trained dogs.

Common Species of Truffle

One of the common species of truffle is the black truffle, often referred to as the black Périgord truffle, which is the second-most commercially valuable species and is named after the region in France with the same name. Black truffles are associated with oaks, cherry, hazelnut, and several other deciduous trees. Also, the harvest period for this species of truffles is in late autumn and winter.

In Australia, black truffles are the more common species and are often regarded by the colloquial term, “the black diamond of Provence.” The black truffles grow naturally across Italy and France, yet producers have perfected the process of cultivating the fungi using the roots of oak, hazelnut, elm, and other trees.

The white truffle, another highly valued species, is predominantly found in the Italian regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, and Tuscany. This truffle has a more delicate flavor and aroma compared to its black counterpart, making it an exquisite addition to many dishes.

The Black Périgord Truffle

The black Périgord truffle is highly-priced on the market, costing around $AU2,500 for a kilogram. There are several producers around the world who engage in the cultivation of this fungi. In 2018, estimation placed that Australia was set to overtake France as the world’s largest supplier of the fungi when demand outstripped supply.

The skin of this species of truffles is dark brown, often black in hue, and by the time of maturity, the flesh of the black Périgord truffle is deep dark brown and has white spider-like veins running across the surface.

Truffle tours, like those offered by the https://piedmonttravelguide.com/tour/alba-wine-tour

Discover More:

What is White Truffle
What are the differences in taste between black and white truffles?

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