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- Trufa negra
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How to use preserved truffles?
Did you know that it's possible to consume black truffles year-round?
Now that the fresh black truffle season is coming to an end, we're all wondering how to find substitutes for this product. The truth is, you don't need to look for alternatives to the flavor of black truffles, as you can keep preserved truffles in your pantry to enjoy year-round.
Truffles, that underground fungus that has gained popularity for its intense flavor and aroma, are essential for many people's signature dishes. However, due to their difficult harvest and limited season, fresh truffles are often expensive and hard to find. This is where preserved truffles come in, a product that allows you to enjoy this food year-round.
But how do you use them? Don't worry, in this post we'll show you how to use your preserved truffle correctly.
What is preserved truffle?
First of all, in case you're wondering, what is preserved truffles?
It's a way of preserving fresh truffles by packaging them in oil, brine, or vinegar. This extends the product's shelf life without losing the essence of its flavor and aroma.
There are different types of truffles that can be preserved, such as the black truffle (or melanosporum) and the summer truffle (or aestivium), each with its own distinct flavor and aroma.
The preservation process ensures that, even out of season, chefs and amateur cooks can access truffles and take advantage of their unique properties regardless of the season.
When is the best time to buy preserved truffles?
When should I buy preserved truffles instead of fresh ones?
We recommend that if you have the opportunity to buy fresh truffles in season, you do so. However, it's true that they aren't always available or are difficult to find, so preserved truffles are a good option if you can't get your hands on fresh ones, or if you want to get them out of season.
Preserved truffles are your best option if you want to always have truffles available in your pantry:
- Year-round availability: Fresh truffles are seasonal, which limits their availability. Preserved truffles, on the other hand, allow you to enjoy this product year-round.
- Ease of use: Since they're already preserved in oil or brine, you don't need to worry about cleaning, peeling, or preparing the truffles, which makes them much easier to use.
- Versatility: Preserved truffles can be used in a wide variety of preparations. Its versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient in gourmet cooking.
It's true that preserved truffles generally don't have as much flavor as fresh ones, but they're a good alternative for creating truffle-based recipes year-round.
How to use it in your kitchen?
1. Seasonings for Gourmet Dishes
One of the most popular ways to use preserved truffles is as a seasoning to enhance the flavor of certain dishes. Truffle oil, obtained by preserving truffles in oil, is perfect for dressing pasta, salads, pizzas, and risottos. Just a few drops of this oil can transform a common recipe into a luxurious dish.
Additionally, preserved truffles can be grated and added directly to dishes such as scrambled eggs, pâtés, or creams. Save the truffle juice to add an extra touch to your recipes and further enhance that earthy, intense flavor.
2. Sauces and Creams
Sauces and creams are an excellent way to integrate preserved truffles into a variety of preparations. You can combine preserved truffles with ingredients such as cream, butter, or chicken broth to create smooth and elegant sauces to accompany meat, fish, or pasta. A truffle sauce is especially delicious on a steak, grilled chicken, or a fresh pasta dish.
3. Pairing with Meat and Fish
The earthy, deep flavor of preserved truffles makes them the perfect accompaniment to red meats, lamb, pork, and fatty fish like salmon or tuna. Simply grated or sliced, truffles can be placed on the dish or mixed with other herbs and spices.
4. In Tapas and Appetizers
Try pairing them with ingredients like goat cheese, foie gras, or Iberian ham. Truffles, in their simplest form, on a slice of toasted bread with olive oil, are a perfect gourmet snack that takes just a minute to prepare.
5. Pairing with Cheeses
Cheese and truffles are a perfect pairing, and preserved truffles are no exception. The deep flavor of truffles enhances the creaminess and character of aged cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, or Brie. You can incorporate them into cheese salads, blend them into sauces, or simply serve them as a topping on a gourmet cheese board.
What ways are there to preserve truffles?
There are several ways to preserve truffles, the most common being in oil, brine, vinegar, and dried form.
Preserving truffles in oil involves immersing them in olive oil, which helps maintain their flavor and aroma for longer. You can use this oil to flavor dishes, as it retains all the truffle flavor that the truffle provides while preserved.
In brine, truffles are immersed in a saline solution, while vinegar can be used to create a mixture that preserves them with a tangy touch.
Dehydrating is another method that allows truffles to be preserved for long periods, although their flavor and texture may vary slightly. Each of these methods allows you to enjoy truffles outside of their natural season.
Do you want to try preserved truffles?
Preserved truffles are an excellent way to enjoy this luxurious gourmet food without having to wait for harvest season.
If you haven't tried preserved truffles yet, it's time to give them a try and start innovating in your kitchen with their many uses. Your palate will thank you!
Here's a selection of our preserved truffles if you'd like to take a quick look.
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