You may be here because you’ve been asking yourself, “What is a truffle?” We don’t mean chocolate truffles, though we could go on about that kind, too. We’re referring to the prized, savory edible fungus.
Likely, you’ve come across truffle-flecked pasta, truffle fries, and truffle oil, but having a dish topped with shavings of these fresh tubers is a completely different experience.
If it sounds confusing, that’s because it is. So we’re answering the most common questions, like, What is a truffle? Where do truffles grow? How are truffles found? And why are truffles so expensive?
At Salt & Wind Travel, we’ve extensively explored Italian and French cuisine and frequently cooked with truffles. We’ve personally toured and cooked in markets and towns, such as Alba, that are renowned for their truffles. As a travel planner specializing in luxury travel to Italy, we often have people travel to Piedmont in the fall to experience the renowned Alba truffle festival firsthand.
But before we get into what is a truffle and why they’re such a premium ingredient and the best ways to enjoy them (spoiler: fresh), let’s dig into their rise to culinary fame, beginning with ancient civilizations.
A Brief History of Truffles
Understanding what is a truffle and why they are such an ‘It’ ingredient requires going back in time. It’s believed that the Romans learned about them from the Etruscans—an ancient people who inhabited modern-day Italy and whose cultural practices the Romans often adopted—and even imported truffles from Egypt and Libya.
History also mentions that both the ancient Greeks and the Amorite people of northern Syria ate truffles. Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder is credited with recording the first mention of the fungus, and they were exchanged amongst nobles as gifts during the Middle Ages.
They rose to global recognition in the 20th century when hotelier Giacomo Morra, whose company Tartufi Morra is widely cited as one of the first to sell Italy’s famous white Alba truffles (more on that below), began gifting them to influencers of the time — including President Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, and Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie. By the end of the century, the fungus was a prized ingredient.
So, what is a truffle?
So, precisely what is a truffle, you ask? Like a mushroom, it is an edible fungus that belongs to the genus of tubers. But it’s technically not a mushroom.
You see, a mushroom can grow year-round, and the harvested part is always located above ground. On the other hand, a truffle grows underground, attached to tree roots, has a short harvesting season, a short shelf life, and is nearly impossible to cultivate.
White Truffles Versus Black Truffles
Understanding what is a truffle goes beyond a simple definition. That’s because there are various types of truffles found around the world. They grow in Spain, the U.K., Australia, Chile, South Africa, and the Pacific Northwest in the U.S., but it’s widely agreed that the best come from Europe. Italy’s and France’s are considered the best, with the Italian white and French black ones being the most coveted.
The famous white truffle hails from the town of Alba in Italy’s Piedmont region and is referred to as Alba truffles or Tartufi di Alba.
One surprising tidbit in their rise to “It” status is that in the 1960s, enterprising truffle hunters from Italy brought back white truffles from Croatia. The locals thought they were bad potatoes until someone unearthed a giant truffle in 1999.
On the other hand, black truffles from France are mostly found throughout its southwestern parts, such as the Périgord region. In terms of flavor, while both white and black truffles have an earthy, complex aroma, white truffles tend to smell and taste ‘louder’ than their black counterparts.
Why Truffles Are So Trendy (And Expensive!)
Like an aged bottle of wine from a prized vintage, truffles are so in demand in the culinary world that they can sell for up to $2,500 a pound. In fact, some shady purveyors have been caught attempting to pass off truffles grown outside of Italy and France as European truffles.
How Are Truffles Found?
Speaking of, there are several reasons why truffles from Italy and France command a premium price.
To begin with, they require particular growing conditions. As in, truffles need seven to 10 years to grow underground, and they prefer a Mediterranean climate.
Also, they tend to grow only on the roots of certain trees, namely, oak, beech, poplar, and hazelnut trees.
When Is Truffle Season?
Now, take all of that specificity and add a short harvesting season. White truffle season happens between September and December, while black truffles are harvested from December to February or March.
Here’s where things get a bit (more!) complicated: finding them once they’re ready for harvest. To detect a truffle’s distinct scent, trained dogs are used. Pigs were previously used, but they tended to destroy the land and consume the precious ingredients. As such, pigs were banned from truffle hunting in Italy in 1985.
Once they’re harvested, the countdown begins because truffles lose their complex aroma and flavor within seven to 10 days. And, since the most sought-after truffles originate from Italy and France, when they’re exported abroad, all that travel time means an even shorter shelf life.
Bottom line is that the longer growing period and high perishability, plus high demand (and environmental factors and unsustainable farming) equals multiple dollar signs.
Be Aware Of Fake Truffles
If you aren’t eating fresh truffles, you are likely consuming a fake product —and we mean that in the least snobbish way.
You see, most truffle products sold on shelves and online, such as oils, butter, and salts, are made with artificial truffle flavoring that has been created to mimic the smell and taste of the real thing. However, it’s largely unsuccessful, as the truffles’ authentic smell and taste are incredibly complex.
To identify real truffles in shelf-stable products, look at the label and shop with a trusted vendor. Oftentimes, products are made with a combo of “natural flavors” (meaning engineered) and real truffles. Retailers who carefully vet the quality of the products they sell, like Eataly—which also sells fresh truffles—can help ensure you’re getting the real thing.
How To Cook With Truffles
Chefs and foodies alike agree that the best way to enjoy truffles is to shave fresh ones over simple dishes, such as scrambled eggs, risotto, or a steak with a cream sauce, or on fresh pasta with butter.
Generally speaking, since the fungus has a distinct flavor, it’s best to let it shine and avoid ingredients and preparations that would overpower or mask its taste.
With all this eye-opening information, consider yourself armed with enough truffle knowledge to confidently order it on the menu when it’s in season or choose a quality truffle-inspired product year-round.
Piedmont Food Specialities
Now that you know what is a truffle, you’ll love exploring the broader culinary traditions of Piedmont food. Our article on Piedmont food highlights the region’s rich gastronomic offerings, from velvety Barolo wines to hearty agnolotti pasta and, of course, the famed truffles that make this area a food lover’s paradise.
Classic Piedmontese Recipes
All this talk of food is making us hungry! Want to cook up some flavors of Piedmont? Here are a few of our readers’ favorite classic Italian recipes:
Piedmont Travel Guide
Are you considering traveling to Turin and the Piedmont region in real life? Check out our free Piedmont Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles on Italy.
Have Us Plan Your Italy Trip
Looking to travel to Italy? Our Italy travel planning services are here to help you achieve the ideal vacation. After discussing your preferences during a short consultation, we’ll plan your perfect itinerary. Head here to get started!
Photo Credit: Black truffle in basket by Sofia Royo; truffle dog hunting by Sasa Dzambic Photography; white truffles at the truffle fair in Piedmont by Alessandro Cristiano; and white truffle pasta by HQuality
