Densely forested areas make the best truffle-hunting grounds.
Truffles grow underground in densely forested areas of Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Pacific Northwest of the United States. These fungi develop most prolifically on the roots of truffle oaks and germinate randomly, making them difficult to cultivate commercially. Because of their rarity and labor-intensive harvest, truffles are considered a delicacy and, at the time of publication, the priciest specimens commanded a hefty market price of between $6,000 and $10,000 per pound, according to CNNMoney.com. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Hunting Truffles
Dogs are increasingly employed to hunt truffles underground.
Truffles develop around 12 inches below the surface of the ground and thrive in well-drained, limestone-rich soil. The average size of a truffle varies with the variety, but in general they weigh between 0.3 oz and 3.5 oz -- quite a small size for something that needs to be hunted by scent alone. Staying true to tradition, truffle hunters use dogs and "truffle hogs" to sniff out their quarry, although pigs tend to be less willing to relinquish their prize. Increasingly, for reasons of convenience and control, hunters are turning to dog-only truffle hunting teams, mainly using German shepherds, golden retrievers and Belgian shepherd breeds.
White Truffles
Shaved white truffles lend an elegance to any pasta dish.
White truffles occur near the Alps in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, in Croatia and in parts of Oregon. They have an intense aroma created by sulfurous compounds -- nature's way of attracting animals to eat the truffles, thereby spreading the spores. The most expensive of the truffle family, white truffles offer a hint of garlic with their earthy, nutty mushroom flavor. Chefs typically serve them thinly shaved in salads, pasta dishes and risottos.
Black Truffles
Add black truffles to sauces for an incredible depth of flavor.
Aromatic and pungent black truffles are most often found in the southeastern Var and Perigord regions of France. Their scarcity makes them expensive but the depth of their flavor means they last a long time as a little goes a long way. The black truffle has the most potent flavor of all truffles, characterized by its earthy notes. It is most frequently used in sauces, pates and savory pastries.
Truffle Oils
Truffle-flavored olive oils are an affordable luxury.
For most consumers, the cost of actual truffles can be prohibitively high, but truffle oils make an acceptable alternative. In cold preparations, such as salad dressings or oil dips, or to splash on top of soups, truffle oil imparts an exotic flavor to the finished dish. The characteristic earthy flavor of truffles carries over into all of the oils, but distinctions do exist between them: white truffles offer a creamier taste, while their black counterparts are admired for their woodiness. Truffle oils should never be used to fry or grill foods as high heat destroys the prized flavor.
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