Truffles, jewels of the kitchen, are loved all over the world for their unmistakable flavor and their precious aroma.
But do you know what the different types of truffles are available and what are their distinguishing characteristics?
In this article, we'll explore the most common varieties of truffles and walk you through their unique characteristics.
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White Truffle (Tuber magnatum pico)
The white truffle is considered the king of truffles and is known for its extraordinarily intense flavor and aroma. It is often called "the white diamond of cooking" and is highly sought after by gourmet chefs around the world. The white truffle is usually found in northern Italian regions, such as Piedmont and Tuscany.
The white one is the most valuable of the truffles and is extremely rare.
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Precious Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum)
The precious black truffle, also called black winter truffle, is another very popular variety. It has an earthy flavor and intense aroma. This truffle is most common in the southern regions of France and northern Italy.
It is known for its versatility in the kitchen and is often used to enrich dishes such as pasta, risotto and cheese.
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Black Summer Truffle (Tuber aestivum)
The black summer truffle is a less expensive variety than the prized black truffle, but still has a remarkable flavor and aroma.
It is harvested during the summer season, hence its name. This truffle is often used in cooking to create delicious dishes and to add a touch of luxury without the high cost of other types of truffles.
The summer truffle, also called scorzone truffle , is a cheaper and more common variety than other truffles. It has a slightly less intense flavour, but it can certainly add a touch of sophistication to your dishes. This truffle is found predominantly in the Mediterranean regions.
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Uncinatum Black Truffle (Tuber uncinatum)
The hooked black truffle, also known as the Burgundy black truffle, is another highly appreciated variety.
It has a more delicate aroma than other varieties of black truffles, but is still a high quality ingredient. It is mainly widespread in France and some parts of Italy.
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Bianchetto Truffle ( Tuber Albidum Pico or Tuber Borchii Vitt )
The Bianchetto truffle, also called Marzuolo, is a variety of the white truffle. On the market it has a lower price than its more prized brother (the Tuber Magnatum Pico type white truffle) also in relation to its greater availability in nature and the possibility of being successfully cultivated.
It is therefore a different and cheaper white truffle but no less appreciated in the kitchen, it is in fact capable of releasing an intense flavor and aroma.
This type of truffle is mainly widespread in central Italy, in the regions of Umbria, Marche and in part of Emilia-Romagna.
