Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (truffle) because they are not really very pretty! Well, we absolutely know that the exotic and delicious truffle is an exceptional gift that is well worth it. The cost is often determined by how difficult they are to find and farm. Tasty truffles are often hard to find because they tend to grow below the surface, which is why they are called tubers, and like the potato, they ripen best below the surface and away from sunlight. The fruitful part of a subterranean (growing underground) fungus, truffles are highly prized by gourmet chefs around the world and can be incorporated into many fine dishes.

Imagine the first ones who discover the incredible truffle and decide to eat it?

Most likely, those first truffles were discovered by animals that dig or dig burrows to find their food. The pigs are notable for ripping out the truffles and devouring them! Humanity has used its domestic pigs to “scavenge” for truffles in the woods, keeping them muzzled to preserve exotic delicacies once discovered by your pet. A French gastronome named Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin was a lawyer and politician with an excellent palate for fine dining who spoke of the truffle as “a diamond of the kitchen” and was credited with promoting gourmet delight.

Today home cooks use the white truffle in their recipes

Cooking for the family or wanting to impress the boss and his wife at dinner is the ideal opportunity to “show off” culinary skills with gourmet ingredients such as truffles and/or the oil or honey that can be produced from them . These delicacies can be of the white or black variety, but often the white truffle is easier to find. A large number of recipes can be found that include the use of the white truffle and, although they are a bit pricey, they add considerable flavor to the main course of the meal, be it beef, chicken, duck, pork or rabbit. The distinctive aroma of the truffles really makes one’s mouth water with anticipation!

The white truffle usually grows next to a wide variety of trees

Truffles can commonly be found growing within the root structure of trees such as poplars, hazels, oaks, and beeches, just below the surface. The color is usually brown with white to pale cream or whitish variegation. They tend to be seasonal and grow during various times of the year in different regions, so you can expect that once the harvest in Italy is complete, perhaps another one in Croatia is ready to begin. Some regions grow and harvest throughout the year.

Buy truffles at the optimal time for the best flavor

Gourmet grocery stores and many general stores stock the white truffle when they can get it because they are “hot” sellers with a premium price. Cooks delight when they can be found and purchase them for recipes that will please family and guests. Look for large, firm fleshy truffles with a strong yet pleasant aroma and use your favorite recipes for elegant spreads that will make you the star of your own kitchen!