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WHITE TRUFFLE (TUBER MAGNATUM)
You've probably heard of the black truffle, so widely used in gourmet dishes and so popular during the Christmas season, but you may not be familiar with one of its sisters, the white truffle.
In Spain, when we talk about truffles, we usually mean the black truffle, or tuber melanosporum, a fungus eaten during the winter that adds a very intense flavor to recipes and has a characteristic black color. However, the truth is that the black truffle is just one of the many types of truffles that exist.
If you want to know a little more about the white truffle, today we'll tell you what it is and how you can use it in your cooking if you dare to try it.
WHAT IS THE WHITE TRUFFLE?
The white truffle, known as tuber magnatum, is a wild mushroom, like all truffles. Its origin is primarily in Italy, in the regions of Alba and Piedmont, which is why its use in cooking is not as common in Spain, despite its increasing popularity.
Its main characteristic is its brownish-white color, which is also clearly visible inside, which is why it is known as the white truffle. It usually has an irregular shape and a very distinct smooth white or light brown skin.
In addition to its distinctive color, its intense and penetrating aroma and earthy flavor, with slightly spicy notes, make it a key ingredient for haute cuisine restaurants.
The white truffle is a seasonal ingredient, as is the black truffle. It is characteristic of the fall and winter seasons, mainly during the months of October, November, and December. During these months, the truffle reaches its peak of ripeness and is at its peak for consumption.
PROPERTIES OF THE WHITE TRUFFLE
In addition to being delicious, the truth is that white truffles have been subjected to various studies, which have demonstrated the many benefits they provide when consumed.
White truffles are considered a beneficial ingredient for our health because:
- They provide energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and iron.
- They are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: they are rich in phenolic compounds, characterized by their antioxidant properties.
- They are antimicrobial: the aqueous extract of white truffles has been shown to fight two of the main bacteria that cause bacterial infections.
We encourage you to enjoy all the health benefits that white truffles can provide, always consuming them in moderation and ensuring they are well-preserved.
TYPES OF WHITE TRUFFLE
We're talking about the tuber magnatum as the quintessential white truffle, but the reality is that there are other types of truffle that could carry the same name.
As we mentioned before, the white truffle is native to Italy, but there are other regions in Europe where other types of white truffles are also found.
The best-known white truffle is the tuber magnatum or alba truffle, but it's not the only one:
- Alba truffle or tuber magnatum: This is the best-known and most widely used truffle par excellence in gastronomy. Among those harvested, there are differences in aroma and color, depending on the location of cultivation and rainfall throughout the year. We've been talking about it throughout this article, so there's little more to add.
- Bianchetto truffle or tuber borchii: Don't be fooled by its Italian name, this variety of white truffle grows throughout Europe in the spring. It has a less intense flavor than the tuber magnatum, but due to its color, it is also commonly used in truffle products, such as white truffle oil. Its shape is more rounded and smaller. In terms of appearance, this type of truffle is more yellowish, but its interior is also whitish.
HOW to use white truffle?
The white truffle is a highly prized ingredient in gastronomy, as it provides a very different flavor and aroma than the one we're used to from the black truffle.
This variety of truffle can be used in countless recipes. It can be eaten raw, grated, or sliced thinly.
The best way to appreciate all the nuances its flavor provides is to eat it raw, as it is delicate and also allows us to take advantage of the variety of beneficial properties it contains for our health.
And be careful, don't be scared off by the term "raw," as truffles, when grated over a dish, are usually raw and are completely safe to eat.
To enjoy this white truffle, we'll leave you with some ideas that you'll love.
- You can add a little bit to a pasta dish. The truffle will be completely infused, providing a delicious flavor.
- Fried eggs with white truffle: undoubtedly an exquisite dish. Simply slice a little truffle once the eggs are cooked to enjoy.
- Artichoke hearts with white truffle: an ideal dish where the ingredients combine perfectly, as the artichoke enhances the earthy flavor of the truffle.
- White truffle risotto: the classic dish to truly appreciate the flavor of the white truffle and combine it with the best ingredients.
- Toast with olive oil, anchovies, and white truffle: a simple appetizer that will leave a wonderful taste in your mouth.
- Another way to enjoy truffles is through truffle products. For example, white truffle oil is one of the most well-known and used. Ideal as a dressing for salads, pasta, or meat dishes.
We hope you found this information about white truffles interesting, and we encourage you to try them, especially if you love truffle recipes or black truffles in general, because they have a very distinctive and unique flavor.
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