Truffles are round mushrooms in a potato like shape. They grow underground and very close to trees like those of the beech species, the oak and basically any other tree with broad leaves. There are a lot of species but the most valued ones are those that are edible. Among these species is the white truffles. They have a high commercial value and they can be bought from most gourmet shops or online in the fall season since it is when they are available in abundance.
They are mostly found in Northwest United States, across Europe in countries like Italy, Croatia and France.
When trying to buy them ensure that you get those of high quality and you can tell if one is of good quality by checking whether it is firm, heavy and it should never be spongy in any way. Therefore, check that you get the best by even smelling them as you can tell by how it smells if it is fresh or not. You can also taste them and you will be able to tell where that particular kind is from. Basically, those from US, in Oregon, taste like nuts whilst those from Europe have a cheese and others onion like taste.
Once buying them, keep them in good condition. Storing includes cleaning them well, using aluminum foil and paper towel to rub them before refrigerating. But storing them for long will reduce their freshness hence not giving that desired aroma when cooking them.
When it comes to their consumption, you can either cook them or eat raw ones. The raw ones are much more nutritious and taste good since the act of cooking makes them reduce their flavor. Hence, you can shave (not peel) them using a knife, or grate them then serve with dishes like pasta, salad or even scrambled eggs.
Whether it is preparing that special meal for a loved one like a birthday celebration or anything like it, especially those events that happen in a season when white truffles are in the stores, do not pass the opportunity of including them in that meal as you will make it even more special. Some can suggest that the best way to store them is by cleaning them fast, others advise against it. Whichever the way, ensure that they are kept fresh and also not kept for long as they will lose flavor.
White truffles or Tuber Magnatum Pico is commonly used to making things like chocolate and producing truffle oil. Other products include honey, puree and even flour that are made from these truffles. These products are available in stores but you should do your study and know the companies that produce and sell the best products. Some have gone further to pack them in cans so that they can be transported far and stay fresh for long.
Whatever type or product you will be going for ensure that it is the best in the market. Since some companies do import from countries that produce them in for sale, it is good to check and ensure that you have got the best product as some may have overstayed in the store.
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