Whole Fresh Black Winter Périgord Truffles (Tuber melanosporum) - 1.12 oz (32 g) to 1 lb (454 g) resealable bag, by Marky's, from France or Italy.

More or less a round shape, the black winter truffle's size can go up to the size of an apple and even bigger, but it usually weighs around 1.12 oz. Its skin has a pyramidal scale, and its flesh goes from grayish to black with thin white veins when mature. The black winter truffle, also known as the Périgord truffle, comes from France or Italy and is a rare delicacy, available for sale from the end of October to the start of March. So, if you're planning a Thanksgiving or Christmas menu, including something with truffles in it will be a brilliant idea. Also, a modest package of these black diamonds will be a surprising gift for your dear foodie.

How Do You Know You're Buying Real Black Périgord Truffles?

Here are a few tips on how you can make sure that you're buying the black Périgord truffle (Tuber melanosporum) and not its summer cousin.

• You're purchasing it in late fall or in winter.
• It has a potato-like shape and dark black or charcoal skin with pyramidal warts.
• When you cut it, you can see that it's also black on the inside, and its black interior is pervaded with white veins.

If it's fresh, you'll smell an enticing mixture of aromas: mushroom, wet earth, strawberry, and raw cocoa.

What Will Your Order Look Like?

You'll receive a package of fresh truffles shipped from France or Italy in the days before. Because truffles are formed naturally in the ground, the size and color of each individual mushroom may vary. You'll be charged based on the actual weight of your order and the current market price.

How Do You Store Black Winter Truffles?

The shelf life of the Périgord truffle is 5-7 days. Here's what you should do to keep these mushrooms safe and sound until the day you use them:

• The truffles should be dry. Use a paper towel to remove moisture from them gently.
• Wrap each mushroom in a new paper towel and put it into an airtight container. Place the container on the upper shelf of the fridge.
• Change the wrapping towels daily and wipe moisture from the truffles, if needed.

How Do You Add Fresh Black Truffles to Your Menu?

One thing to remember is that fresh truffles shouldn't be cooked thoroughly like other fresh mushrooms. They are best enjoyed raw or lightly heated. Slice a truffle and top prepared dishes with these fragrant paper-thin slices, or add a few slices towards the very end of cooking, right before you turn off the heat. Black truffles ideally accompany your pasta, foie gras, and risotto.