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We’re all about casual dinners, but for those occasions when we’re looking to add a bit of luxury to our cooking routine, we reach for expensive-to-buy yet easy-to-use truffles! While there are many different kinds of truffles, only a handful are safe for human consumption. Of those edible options, the most prized species are European white truffles and black winter truffles, and it’s important to know the difference so you can use them in the best possible ways.
White truffles, a.k.a. Tuber magnatum, hail from Italy’s Piedmont region (think northwest corner of the boot, bordering France and Switzerland) and parts of Croatia, while the black truffle (formally known as Tuber melanosporum) grows in France. Even though truffles have also been discovered and cultivated all over the world, from New Zealand to the Pacific Northwest, these two European varieties have held onto their reputations as the most transcendent and flavorful. That may be due to the fact that Europe is a uniquely qualified breeding ground for this fussy fungus. Truffles only grow around the roots of certain types of trees and require a particular climate to thrive. Furthermore, they like a chalky soil with a specific pH level—a terrain that’s native to Europe but that often has to be manipulated elsewhere.
White truffle season spans September through December, hitting its peak in October and November. The season for black winter truffles is later, from December to February. Other species of black truffles, which are still used in cooking, though thought to be less luxurious, are harvested during the summer.
This title goes to the “white diamond,” which costs hundreds of dollars per ounce. In fact, we even found white truffles for sale on Amazon! If you’re willing to drop $195, you can snag one ounce of Italian white truffle (shipping and truffle slicer included).
On the other hand, you can get yourself an ounce of black truffle for a cool $79. (Or these winter black French truffles for $106.38 per ounce, plus shipping.)
Why the price difference?
White truffles are more fragrant and flavorful. In fact, they’re so aromatic that they’re almost always shaved raw on top of dishes, a scene that will soon play out in high-end restaurants all over the world. On the other hand, some light cooking can help coax the maximum flavor out of black truffles.
Yes, you can even buy truffles on Amazon…
Alma Gourmet Fresh Italian Winter Black Truffles, 1 ounce for $79 on Amazon. Buy Now
Neither! We hate to break it to you, but there’s nothing natural about this now-ubiquitous condiment. Instead, it’s made by combining olive oil with a chemical compound that’s designed to mimic the smell of truffles. So sadly, if the scent of truffle oil conjures images of Italian families roaming the countryside with their truffle-sniffing dogs, think again. The more accurate image is chemists in a lab!
The bad news about cooking with real truffles is that it’s going to cost you. But the good news is that it’s relatively easy since it’s best to pair truffles with simple dishes that are willing to give up the spotlight.
Truffle-Roasted Chicken
We all have our favorite roasted chicken recipe but don’t be afraid to add a little retro glamour via truffle butter and thinly sliced black truffle under the skin. Madiera and/or Port Wine, which the recipe also calls for, can be found in most grocery and liquor stores. Get our Truffle-Roasted Chicken recipe.
White Truffle Risotto
Create the five-star restaurant experience in the comfort of your own home. This simple risotto lets the truffle topping shine. Get the White Truffle Risotto recipe.
Black Truffle Pasta
Like risotto, pasta is a classic match for the treasured tubers. Truffles make this 5-ingredient dish both easy and unforgettable. Get the Black Truffle Pasta recipe.
Mascarpone and Black Truffle Pizza
The final step in this white pizza recipe calls for baking the truffle toppings for 5 minutes. A bit of heat is sure to bring out the maximum amount of flavor. Get the Mascarpone and Black Truffle Pizza recipe.
Baked Black Truffle Stuffed Brie
You’ll only need four ingredients to whip up this swoon-worthy appetizer! Get the Baked Black Truffle Stuffed Brie recipe.
Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese and Truffle Oil
So maybe it’s not the real thing. But if it makes eating your veggies more pleasurable, truffle oil might have a place in your kitchen cabinet! Get the Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese and Truffle Oil recipe.
