Black Truffles

True truffles, black or white, are mushrooms that grow underground, usually at the base of oak trees. Black truffles come primarily from France, while white truffles are predominantly found in Italy. Both varieties are treasured for the indescribable flavor and aroma they impart to foie gras, stuffing for fowls, decadent sauces, and other uses. The famed 19th-century gourmet Brillat-Savarin called truffles “the diamond of the kitchen.”

Truffles are usually hunted by specially trained pigs that can sniff out the delicacy under its layer of earth. Southern France is the primary region for producing truffles, with its oak forests, limestone soil, and dry, hot climate. Truffles grow in symbiosis with the roots of oak trees, and can sometimes be cultivated by planting acorns from known truffle trees. However, it takes several years for the truffles to develop, and the life expectancy of such a tree is only 30 years.

Truffles are expensive not only because they are difficult to cultivate, but also because they are highly seasonal. Autumn is the primary season for harvesting truffles. They reach their peak of fragrance in January and decline quickly thereafter.

At Gourmet Pantry, we offer a variety of truffle products produced by Palumbo. Both black and white truffle oil is available in 100 ml. or 250 ml. carafes. We also offer truffle sauces, as well as minced, sliced and whole black truffles, at the best possible prices. If you’ve never experienced the heady flavor and aroma of truffles, you owe it to yourself to do so. Truffles and truffle oil also make impressive and thoughtful gifts.

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