Truffles can be described as gourmet fungi with tart, intense and earthy fragrance.Â
In the past, allegedly people used truffles to reach Gods and witches, luckily today, even us 'ordinary mortals' can enjoy them. Truffles are hidden underground, just like a treasure, no wonder they are pricey. But, a true truffle lover will understand its price, as it is worth it! As hard to find, the best truffles (Tuber Magnatum Pico) can reach a price over an incredible 6,000 EUR per kilogram.
Truffles are used in small quantities as it is still sufficient to turn every dish into an exceptional gourmet experience.
Are there many different truffle types?
Yes, they are many different truffle varieties. The most popular truffle varieties in the culinary world are - white and black truffle. However, white truffle - Tuber Maganatum Pico is the best truffle variety.
What does the truffle look?
Their shape is like tubers, but they are often compared with potatoes when it comes to their appearance. Truffles usually grow from the size of a cherry up to the size of an apple, but sometimes significantly bigger specimens are found (like the famous Zigante Millenium weighing 1310 g).
How does truffle taste?
Truffle's aroma is complex to describe, but it is reminiscent of chocolate and soil mix, deep musky, earthy, oaky, nutty aromas.
How and where to find truffles?
The most famous truffle hunting site in Croatia is Istria (the Motovun forest). Truffles grow underground, mostly besides roots of trees such as beech, oak, poplar, willow and elm. A professional truffle hunter leads the so-called truffle hunting search with trained dogs. Dogs can find truffles with a subtle sense of smell. In the past, people were searching for truffle search with pigs. Nowadays, it is a rarity as pigs are skilled to find truffles, but often they eat the treat!
When is the truffle season?
The truffle season runs from October to December for White Truffle Magnatum Pico in Croatia. Every year, about 3,000 hunters only search for this incredible gourmet treasure in the Motovun forest. The Istrian truffles are amongst the most highly prized truffles.
Interesting truffle facts from the past:
- Old Greeks and Romans were using truffles as aphrodisiacs and medicine.
- In the Middle Ages, monks were not allowed to eat truffles to forget their vocation.
