Truffles, with their intense aroma and unmistakable flavour, are one of the most popular delicacies in Italian and international cuisine.
However, not all truffles are the same: each variety has unique characteristics that influence its taste, aroma and culinary use.
Among the different typologies, The white truffle is the best known and most sought-after , but the world of truffles offers other pearls of taste that deserve to be known and appreciated.
Origin and habitat of the white truffle
The white truffle, also known as Tuber magnatum Pico , grows mainly in some areas of Italy and in a few European regions. The territory that gives it its unique aroma is particularly limited, with the best qualities coming from areas such as Alba, Acqualagna and some areas of Abruzzo.
This truffle prefers calcareous soils and grows at a depth of between 30 and 40 cm, a symbiosis that makes it rare and valuable.
On the contrary, other varieties of truffle can grow in larger and more varied terrains, both in Italy and abroad, making their availability more widespread.
Differences in aroma and flavor
The white truffle has a very intense aroma and flavour, characterised by notes of garlic , honey and undergrowth.
Its uniqueness makes it ideal for being used raw, directly on hot dishes such as tagliatelle, risotto or carpaccio, where it releases all its aromatic potential.
On the contrary, other types of truffle, such as the prized black truffle and the summer one, have a more delicate aroma and a less invasive flavour.
The latter are suitable for more versatile preparations and also go well with light cooking methods that enhance their flavour, without compromising their aromatic profile.
Seasonality and harvest periods
One of the aspects that most distinguishes the white truffle from other varieties is the harvest period.
The white truffle is only available in autumn , between October and December, which contributes to making it particularly rare and sought after. On the contrary, the other types of truffle are found in various periods of the year.
The prized black truffle, for example, is available in winter, while the Summer truffle, also known as scorzone, is available between May and September.
This diversity allows restaurateurs and food enthusiasts to enjoy truffle-based dishes throughout the year, selecting the most suitable variety depending on the season.
The prized black truffle: a versatile alternative
The prized black truffle, or Tuber melanosporum , represents one of the most appreciated varieties after the white one. This truffle is known for its versatility and for its strong taste, but less intense than the white one.
With an aroma reminiscent of cocoa and damp earth, it lends itself particularly well to preparations that require cooking, such as sauces, meats or eggs.
Compared to the white truffle, which must be consumed as soon as possible, the prized black truffle can be preserved for longer periods, albeit under specific conditions.
This feature makes it an interesting choice for those who want enjoy truffles even out of season.
Summer and hooked truffle: the taste of the warm seasons
The summer truffle, known as Tuber aestivum , and the uncinato truffle, an autumn variant, offer a cheaper and more accessible alternative to the prized varieties. Their aroma is delicate and slightly nutty, making them perfect for those who want a less invasive truffle flavour and suitable for various culinary preparations.
These types are also highly appreciated for their lower cost and are well suited to flavoring dishes such as pasta, risotto and salads.
Although they cannot compete with the intensity of the prized white or black truffles, summer and hooked truffles are an interesting solution for those who want to try truffles without a major investment.
Price and market value differences
The white truffle is undoubtedly the most expensive of all truffle varieties, reaching high figures in international markets. This is due to its rarity, the short harvest season and the intensity of its aroma.
Black truffles, such as the prized black and the uncinato, have a more accessible price, while still remaining a luxury product.
Finally, the summer truffle is the cheapest variety, being less rare and with a more delicate aromatic profile.
For those who want to buy fresh truffles, you can find a wide range of options online, such as fresh products available on Tartufi La Spora, where each variety is guaranteed and certified for quality.
Food Pairings: How to Use White Truffles and Other Truffles
White truffles pair perfectly with simple dishes that enhance their aroma, such as eggs, fresh cheeses and pasta. Thanks to their powerful flavour, simply slicing them raw completes a dish, transforming even the most basic recipes into a haute cuisine experience. Black truffles and summer truffles, on the other hand, are excellent for enriching dishes that require cooking.
They go well with meats, sauces and mature cheeses, but can also be used in more sophisticated preparations, such as mousses or creams.
For those who wish to discover special recipes and combinations, it is possible to consult the proposals of Truffles The Spore to find original ideas.
Conservation and shelf life of truffles
The White truffle , given its delicacy, requires special storage: it is recommended to consume it within a few days of harvesting, wrapping it in absorbent paper and storing it in the refrigerator to keep its aroma intact.
The prized black truffle and the summer one, instead, have a slightly longer shelf life and can be frozen without losing too much of their flavour.
Some truffles, such as the prized black one, can also be transformed into patés or creams, practical solutions that allow you to preserve their flavour for longer and use them in the kitchen without difficulty.
A journey into the world of truffles
Each variety of truffle has its own charm and offers a different taste experience, suitable to satisfy both the most refined palates and those approaching this specialty for the first time.
The White truffle , with its aromatic intensity and value, represents a choice that does not go unnoticed, while other varieties such as the prized black truffle, the uncinato and the summer truffle offer equally fascinating and versatile alternatives.
