We’ll uncover the difference between black and white truffle, two highly-prized culinary foods. They make cooking exciting!
Truffles are fungi that grow underground near tree roots. There are a lot of varieties, but the black and white truffles are the most well-known and highly sought after. We’ll show you the significant differences between these two types and give you a guide to help you understand them better.
Black Truffles: Varieties
Black truffles are native to Europe and primarily harvested in France, Italy, and Spain, with a notable presence in the Piedmont region. They typically grow in limestone-rich soil, particularly in forests with oak, hazelnut, and chestnut trees.
The black summer truffle, known as Tuber Aestivum, is the kind of truffle people use the most. The Perigord truffle (Tuber Melanosporum) is the most extraordinary and costly. It got its name from a place in France where people first discovered it.
Many people know about the black truffle, like a black diamond or the Perigord truffle. But there are also other types to discuss.
Here are five varieties of black truffles:
We will start with the Tuber Aestivum or the summer truffle
Tuber Aestivum is the most common and affordable truffle in the world.
Eating is subtle and pleasant, and you can try different recipes with this truffle.
The second truffle worth mentioning is the tuber uncinatum or the Burgundy Truffle
This truffle resembles Tuber Aestivum but is rare and grows high in the mountains. The aroma is much more intense. On the inside, it is dark brown with white veins.
Next, let’s discuss about the Tuber Mesentericum.
It is rare, and few companies are selling it around, which is a pity. It is a very interesting truffle with a unique aroma. We can describe it as earthy. It’s not for everyone, but for some people, it is delicious. On the outside, it is black with a violet tinge, and on the inside, it is black/violet with white veins.
Tuber Brumale would be next, with its delicate aroma and tenderness
On the outside, it is similar to Mesentericum and often confusing, but the smell is very far apart. Tuber Brumale is much more subtle than Mesentericum and similar to tuber Melanosporum.
We will leave the Tuber Macrosporum last because it is the rarest
It is dark brown/black with light red spots on the outside. On the inside, it is dark gray with white veins. The aroma is garlicky and earthy.
We almost forgot about the most important one: the Tuber Melanosporum
It is undoubtedly the most precious black truffle in the world. Chefs worldwide really want this truffle because many people like it, but there isn’t much of it. They grow it successfully in Europe, especially in Spain.
On the outside, it is black with rough skin; on the inside, it is very dark with tiny white veins. You must try it!
White Truffles: Varieties
White truffles grow in Europe, especially in Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Greece. They grow in soil with lots of calcium, like places with warm weather and rain.
Two main types of white truffles are Tuber borchii and Tuber Magnatum pico. These two are the most well-known white truffles in the world. They have significant differences between one another.
At first glance, they are very similar on the outside, but the differences are apparent when you pick them up in your hand. The Magnatum is very smooth, and the shape is more roundish than the Borchii.
Also, the Magnatum Pico has a larger size on average. When you slice them up, they are similar inside, but the Borchii is darker. The Magnatum truffle smells softer, while the bianchetto truffle has a strong smell like earth and garlic.
The Difference Between Black truffle and White truffle
The most apparent difference between black truffles and white truffles is their appearance. Black truffles are usually smaller and have a rough, wrinkled black surface. They range in size from that of a walnut to a small apple and can weigh anywhere from a few grams to a few hundred grams. Of course, there are some exceptions.
]On the other hand, white truffles are larger and have a smooth, almost velvety surface that is cream to beige. They can be as small as a walnut or as big as a grapefruit and weigh just a little bit or more than a kilogram.
Aroma and Flavor Difference
The most significant difference between black and white truffles is their aroma and flavor. Black truffles have a strong, earthy aroma, often described as musky or nutty. They also have a robust, almost meaty flavor best described as savory.
In contrast, white truffles smell very soft, like flowers or a little bit like fruit. They have a distinct, pungent odor that is difficult to describe, but we often compare it to the smell of garlic or shallots. White truffles taste a little sweet and not as strong as black truffles.
Cooking Differences
People like both black and white truffles in cooking. They make many foods taste better. However, there are differences in how we use these two truffles in cooking.
We can use black truffles in dishes such as meat, pasta, and risotto. We typically shave or grate and use it as a finishing touch to add flavor and aroma. It often uses black truffles to create unique sauces like truffle butter or oil. These sauces make veggies, meats, and pasta taste good.
You can usually use white truffles raw by shaving them over dishes like pasta, risotto, and eggs. People often pair them with delicate flavors like butter, cream, and cheese to bring out their unique taste and smell. White truffles are not usually in sauces or cooked dishes like black truffles because other ingredients can hide their delicate flavor.
In conclusion, we hope this article has shed light on the difference between white and black truffles. Understanding the difference between these unique ingredients can enhance your cooking experiences and enjoyment of fancy meals.
