The secrets of truffles: how to recognize a quality product🍄✨

Truffles are nature's treasure, but not everyone knows how to distinguish an authentic product from a low-quality one. Here's what you need to know:

1. The origin is everything

• Fresh truffle:
  • Fine white (Tuber magnatum): it has an intense and unmistakable aroma that recalls garlic, cheese, mushrooms
  • Fine black (Tuber melanosporum): has an earthy and fruity aroma

2. Looks don't lie

• Fresh truffle:
  • the surface is irregular and hard, without dents or soft parts
  • the color is uniform: creamy white for the white truffle, black with veins for the black one
    

3. Perfume is your identity card

• a quality truffle gives off an aroma intense and complex already a few centimeters away
• If you only smell a mild or "chemical" odor, it may be treated or old

4. Seasonality and freshness

• White truffle: from October to December
• Black truffle: from October to March
• Out of season? Be careful: it may be frozen or of poor quality.

5. Price: If it's too cheap, there's a scam.

• The real truffle costs:
  • Premium white: from €3,000 to €5,000 per kg (depending on the year and size)
  • Premium black: from €800 to €1,500 per kg
    

6. Storage and use

• Fresh truffle: Wrapped in absorbent paper, in a glass jar in the fridge, it lasts a maximum of 5-7 days
• Chef's advice: Grate it raw on simple dishes (risotto, eggs, pasta) to enhance its aroma.

How to avoid scams 🚫

• Be wary of anyone selling "Chinese truffles" (Tuber indicum) pretending to be Italian: they have a weaker aroma and a very low price.

In summary:

A quality truffle can be recognized by its captivating aroma, firm texture, and provenance. Whether fresh or creamed, don't settle for less!