What Are the Different Types of Truffles and How Do They Compare?
In recent years, the truffle has quickly risen to be one of the most popular and widely sought-after foods in the world. Whether or not you’ve had the chance to try something truffle-flavored, one bite is enough to let you know what you’ve been missing.
Truffles are tasty and savory, but also expensive, so before you buy, take a moment to keep reading and learn more about the differences between the varieties of truffles.
The Main Types of Truffles
1. Black Burgundy Truffles-Tuber Uncinatum
The Black Burgundy Truffle is a breed of truffle that only grows in colder areas, meaning it is mostly grown in Europe. This type of truffle is closely related to the summer truffle, which we will discuss in detail below, but it has a stronger flavor profile than its sister breed.
The Black Burgundy truffle is dark brown on the outside, which is where it got its name, though it can sometimes appear more black, leading individuals to confuse it with black truffles.
2. Black Truffle—Tuber Melanosporum Vittadini
The black truffle is one of the more popular types of truffle and they can grow in Europe or the United States, but only in soil that has the right pH. These truffles are all black as the name suggests.
Because these truffles are able to grow in numerous climates, they are more popular and easier to attain than some of the other specialty truffles on this list.
The variety of black melanosporum truffle that is native to the southern France region has its own unique name, often referred to as the Périgord Black Truffle, and is known to be the most fragrant of all the black truffle varieties.
3. White Truffle
The white truffle is the most common and least expensive of all truffle types. Although you may see labels like “summer” and “winter” white truffles, know that these are exactly the same species of truffle; they are just harvested at different times of the year.
These truffles, despite their name, tend to have a more yellow hue to them than actually appearing to be white. They are just as tasty as black truffles, but know that white truffles don’t last as long, nor do they remain as fragrant, which is why they tend to be lower in price. Because they lose fragrance and flavor so fast, it is recommended to use white truffles for dishes in which they will be served raw.
4. Black Summer Umbreo Truffles
The Black Summer truffles are named for the fact that they tend to only grow in the summer. While they are closely related to the Burgundy Truffles, Summer truffles need warmer weather and are, therefore, never found in the same soil as their siblings.
On the outside, the Black Summer Truffle looks just like the Burgundy ones, but once you cut them open, you’ll notice that the inside is much lighter, which is how you can tell them apart. This truffle isn’t quite as flavorful or fragrant as the Burgundy truffle, but it is still delicious and worth buying!
Related: What is the Difference Between Black and White Truffles?
What is the Difference Between Black Uncinatum and Black Melanosporum Truffles?
Black Uncinatum and Melanosporum truffles both have a dark color in appearance, and they both can be grown in the European climate. That being said, Black Uncinatum truffles can only be grown in the cold EU climates, while Black Melanosporum truffles can be grown in other climates in addition to those found in Europe.
Additionally, the Black Melanosporum truffle is known to be the most fragrant of all truffle varieties, especially those that are grown in the south of France. It is important to note that while both of these truffles can appear black, the Black Uncinatum truffles are technically dark brown.
What is the Difference Between Burgundy and Périgord Truffles?
Black Burgundy truffles are known for the fact that they grow all over Europe—meaning you can find them in Romania, France, and even Switzerland. The Périgord truffle, on the other hand, is a very finicky truffle and can only be found in the south of France. There have been many attempts to grow this breed of truffle elsewhere, but none have been successful so far.
In addition, the Périgord truffle is revered around the world for its fragrant and succulent taste—and combined with the difficulty moving these truffles to other climates—it is the most expensive and rare truffle to attain. Black Burgundy truffles are more widely available at a lower price point.
Can You Eat Truffles Plain and Raw?
Truffles are safe to eat plain and raw, though you will likely find that you don’t want to. Truffles are known for their intense and rich flavor, something which makes it hard to just take a bite of a truffle as you would an apple—as it will likely be too strong for your palette!
Couple that with the fact that truffles are expensive, you are much better off shaving truffles onto another dish—though you can do so when they are still raw.
6 Uses for Truffle
Although they are expensive, truffles are one of the most versatile ingredients available, and they can be used to upgrade any number of products or recipes. Below are some of our favorite ways for using truffles.
1. Truffle Butter
Truffle butter is the best way to enjoy the amazing flavors of truffle every day of the week. You can make your own truffle butter at home using chopped truffles and truffle oil, or you can buy truffle butter by the roll, making it easy to incorporate into your daily life!
2. Truffle Oil
Next to butter, truffle-infused oil is just as easy to use—especially if you love cooking with premium oils. There are both white truffle oil and black truffle oil varieties available.
3. Truffle Fries
Truffle fries are a premium side dish at many Michelin-star restaurants, and for a good reason, they are delicious! You can make your own truffle fries at home by ordering both truffle oil and whole truffle and using them to top your fries.
4. Truffle Salt
Truffles can be ground and mixed with salt to create one of the most savory and delicious seasonings. While you can attempt to make your own, we recommend buying premade truffle salt to make your life easy.
5. Truffle Aioli
Truffle aioli is made by combining truffle oil with mayo. This is easy to make at home and can be used to upgrade your sandwiches or drizzled on fries to make truffle fries!
6. Truffle Pasta
Truffle and pasta go together like two peas in a pod. You can order fresh truffles and use them to stuff pasta like ravioli or slice it over the top of a spaghetti or ziti. For those without a lot of time, check out some premade truffle ravioli available from many premium food sellers.
Truffle Recipes
Where Can You Buy Truffles?
Truffles can usually be purchased at premium food stores, which, unfortunately, aren’t always located close to your home. We recommend checking out an online premium food store, like Kolikof Caviar and Gourmet, which has a wide variety of truffles available no matter what truffle recipe you want to make. Just don’t forget to order a truffle slicer with your truffles so you have a way to enjoy them when they arrive!
Kolikof Caviar and Gourmet is known around the world for its premium quality and the ability to ship a variety of products to your door in just 48 hours. That’s the Kolikof difference.