The name of the truffle refers to the tiny black dots in its shell. This fungus grows on a host tree, shrub, or forested areas. When the mushroom is finished growing and matured, it turns black in color. This truffle has different uses and is considered a delicacy in many countries around the world. Truffles contain a high content of Vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and calcium and some even have trace amounts of magnesium and manganese too.
A truffle is actually the fruiting body of ascomycete fungi, mainly one of the species of the genus Tuber which is commonly found in moist and dark places like under rocks and stones. There are also other genera of fungi that are classed as truffles, including Geopora, P. chocolata, Peziza, Leucangia, and more than a hundred others. Tuber is not only limited to the truffle fungi. Other mushrooms, including shiitake, porcini, and oyster mushrooms, contain this fungus too.
Truffles come in many shapes and sizes and the ones in the TMJ (truffle mosaic kaki) variety are the hardest to find. They are normally oval, round, or oblong in shape. The shape varies according to the growth pattern of the fungi, with some of them having a smooth surface while others have a rough texture. This characteristic adds to their aesthetic value.
TMJ also happens to be the rarest of all the species. Its production cycle can last from three to six years and a mushroom has to grow under the right conditions. One of the most important factors that contribute to the growth of these fungi is moisture. This fungus loves dark, moist environments and prefers places with decaying woods that are damp. It can grow in damp soil that is also kept moist enough by rain falling on the ground.
If you plan to buy these mushrooms in shops, it is wise to have it dried before using it for cooking and use black truffle sea salt instead of regular salt. because the fungus is sensitive to the presence of salt. You can also keep a few pieces of this fungus in a bottle of distilled white vinegar in your refrigerator to help preserve the freshness.
While eating fresh truffles, the best thing to do is to cut them open to eat the inside. The taste can be slightly bitter but this taste is not something to avoid, as they are really delicious. It's a good idea to chew on the fruit as well before eating because it contains antioxidants that help you lose weight.
Many people enjoy many different ways to make truffles, but the most popular is to boil them into a thick sauce. The sauce can be prepared in a frying pan with some garlic, tomatoes, thyme, capers, anchovies, egg, onions, olive oil, and some pepper flakes. Then after that, it is ready to serve as a dip with crackers or fresh bread. People also prefer to slice the mushrooms first and fry them, so that the juice and the taste are extracted.
Another good choice is to bake the mushrooms in the oven. You can also serve them with other foods, such as bread or even sliced fish.
The smell that comes from fresh mushrooms is very appealing. You can purchase fresh mushrooms at a local store but if you do not have enough money to buy them, you can also grow some in your garden and harvest them when they turn brown and get the color that is found in this mushroom.
Truffles have been used for centuries as the main ingredient of food by some countries. In France, it is commonly used to make a thick chocolate sauce and in the south, it is often used to make pastries. Other than this, it is also used to enhance the flavor of desserts and is often mixed with vanilla to make chocolate mousse. and gelato.
Most restaurants, cafes, and bakeries have a truffle salt rack where customers can place their food in the hope that it will keep the flavors in the dish for longer. This product is a must in soups and stews, desserts, and even in some deserts. It also goes well with ice cream.