White truffles are a rare and exquisite type of mushroom that can be found in damp forests around the world. They have been prized by gourmet chefs for centuries for their unique flavor and aroma. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about white truffles! We will give you five tips on how to pick white truffles, describe the different types of white truffles, and tell you where they come from. We will also give you a brief history of white truffles, so you can appreciate their importance in the culinary world!

What are White Truffles?

White truffles are a type of mushroom that grows underground near the roots of trees, usually oak, hazel, or poplar. They are highly prized for their delicate flavor and aroma, which has been described as reminiscent of garlic, onions, and nuts. White truffles are typically used sparingly, as a little goes a long way in terms of flavor. These fungi are grown in the wild and are found mainly in Europe. They are typically harvested between October and December. White truffles are very rare and expensive, costing around $1,000 per pound. 

Types of White Truffles

There are two main types of white truffles: Tuber Magnatum and Tuber Aestivum. Tuber Magnatum is the more highly prized of the two, as it has a stronger flavor and aroma. It is also more expensive, fetching up to $3,000 per pound at auction. Tuber Aestivum, on the other hand, is more commonly found and thus less expensive; it typically sells for $600 per pound or less. Both types of white truffle are harvested in late fall and early winter. 

White truffles are native to Italy and Croatia but can also be found in France, Spain, and even Australia. In Italy, the majority of white truffles come from the Piedmont region in the northwest part of the country. The town of Alba in particular is renowned for its white truffles; every year in October and November, it hosts the world-famous Alba White Truffle Fair. 

The History of White Truffles

White truffles have been coveted since ancient times for their unique flavor and aroma. The Roman Emperor Nero reputedly ordered his soldiers to find him some after he heard about them from his cook (although there is no historical evidence to support this claim). In the Middle Ages, European monks grew white truffles in plots near their monasteries but kept their cultivation methods secret. It was not until the 18th century that Frenchman Jean- Anthelme Brillat-Savarin published a treatise on white truffles and their culinary uses, which helped to increase their popularity among the general public. Today, white truffles are still considered a luxury item due to their rarity and high price tag. 

Tips on Selecting White Truffles

1. Close your eyes, grab a truffle, and inhale its aroma; don't look at it; the sight is secondary to the aroma. The best truffle is the one with the strongest aroma; you don't buy truffles for their size or shape; you buy truffles for their strong aroma.

2. Gently squeeze the truffles between your fingers. Don't press too hard as this might harm them, but if the truffle feels extremely soft, it's probably old. You want the truffle to feel lovely and solid.

3. If you have two truffles that are roughly the same size and are having trouble choosing which to purchase, try balancing them both in your hands. The best truffle is the one that weighs more since it is fresher and has more water in it. Size is irrelevant and has no bearing on a truffle's overall flavor.

4. If the truffle is broken, it's not an issue. Since snails are the ones that choose truffles when they are extremely wonderful, little holes typically indicate a really strong truffle. Many people who notice holes in truffles assume they must be contaminated with insects and avoid them as a result.

5. It's crucial to consider how much dirt is on the truffle while purchasing it. The dirt that surrounds most truffles will be sold with them since it keeps them fresh, but beware because some shrewd sellers may sell you truffles that have a lot of weight added to the soil. Ask the trader to remove any soil from the outside of the truffle before it is weighed if you have picked a truffle using all the previous methods but it appears to have a lot of soil on it.

White truffles are prized for their unique flavor and aroma but these luxury mushrooms come with a hefty price tag – around $1,000 per pound! If you're lucky enough to get your hands on some white truffles, be sure to follow our tips on how to pick them so you get the best possible quality fungi (and don't damage them in the process!). Once you've got your hands on some fresh white truffles; use them as soon as possible for the best results – Enjoy!