Black truffles are among the most luxurious and sought-after of edible fungi. Black truffle is a mushroom, that grows on the underside of trees, rocks, and soil. A black truffle also called a conger eel, is the reproductive body of ascomycete fungi, primarily one of several species of the genera Tuber and Geodia. Some species can grow underground and others can grow on the surface of the skin. As with other mushrooms, truffles have both a bulbous or pore-like interior and a fleshy, brown, "black" interior.
Truffles are native to the Mediterranean Basin and have been used in cooking since prehistoric times. The earliest archaeological evidence of eating mushrooms dates to around 6000 B.C. Ancient Greeks and Romans regarded mushrooms as magical food, and they were used to heal, treat illness, and even make food more palatable. Truffles were also used to protect soldiers from various diseases during World War I. Many different varieties of truffles are still being produced, although commercial production has been greatly reduced over recent years due to fungi becoming resistant to certain methods of drying and curing.
Although not widely distributed throughout the world, truffles are highly prized for their unique properties of producing a number of foods, such as cheese. Traditionally, a truffle would be smoked, salted, and allowed to dry before it was used in a dish, usually to accompany the wine. Today, the majority of truffles are cured in a similar way, although some are cured using a process called curing. Curing allows the truffles to retain their natural flavors but is usually more difficult to do than smoking or curing.
Many people like to eat truffles fresh on their own. Other people will choose to use them in cooking by purchasing a ready-to-eat version at the grocery store or at specialty stores. It is important to note that truffles should not be eaten raw. Although there is no medical evidence to suggest that they are unhealthy, some people may have an allergic reaction to eating them.
When it comes to making your own truffles, you can try to make your own black truffle sea salt using a combination of salt and baking soda or salt and sugar. This is a popular method among some people, but it is not recommended for others.
One important consideration when using black truffle salt is that you should only buy a salt-free variety if you have sensitive skin or are prone to sensitivity to chemicals. Using a commercial version may leave traces of chemicals on the truffle and may irritate your skin.
Some recipes call for the addition of vinegar or lemon juice to the salt mixture, which has the same effect as using a truffle salt, although this is unnecessary. In fact, white vinegar actually creates a stronger flavor, so it should be avoided. Lemon juice is often added to white wines, particularly if the wine has been aged. You may add some of your favorite red wine to the mixture to produce a rich, earthy flavor. Other people simply rub the mixture between your fingertips before you serve the finished dish.
There are no exact regulations governing the best time to use a truffle salt or other salt in cooking. Cooking with a truffle salt has been proven to work with any meal preparation. So, whatever recipe you decide, it is easy to make your own black truffle salt and have that savory taste all year long.
Since black truffles are hard to find anywhere, you can choose to purchase a ready-to-use truffle salt for many different occasions. The black color of the truffles makes them perfect for holiday dishes, although they are sometimes available year-round. Other times, the truffles will not be found at your grocery store. You may even be able to find them online in the fall and winter months when many retailers are having clearance sales.
If you are unsure of how to prepare the truffle salt for your own use, you can purchase a prepackaged package of it from your favorite supermarket. If you choose to purchase ready-to-use, you should still read the instructions carefully before using it.
When it comes to eating truffles, it is important to be aware that it is better to choose a brand name that is both appealing and affordable. The best brand is the Truvia brand because it is made of all-natural ingredients, which may be lower in calories than some of the cheaper varieties.