Truffles are actually edible and come in several varieties. Some of these are called "black" truffles, "purple" "white" truffles, and "pink" "blue" truffles. Each variety has its own unique taste and appearance. Some of them are highly prized because of their rarity and unique beauty. But, which truffle to use in a recipe for someone else?
Truffles are actually the ruling body of single-celled ascomycete fungi, mostly one of the species of the family Tuberculiaceae. There are about a hundred other genera of these fungi that are also known as truffles, such as Geopora, Perna, Peziza, Chlorophyllum, and a dozen others. The ones with the rounder shape of white truffle are actually Geoporus, and there are a few more that can also be called truffles, but they are more closely related to each other. So, some people call them Geopora truffles, which would be an accurate description. Most truffles will have a flat or slightly concave surface, although there are some exceptions.
There is another version of black truffle salt that is actually made from the leaves and stems of Geophytum. This type of truffle, called Geophytum carlottaiana, is not a true truffle, but instead is more like spinach. It is also not edible, but rather a garnish or ingredient used in cooking.
When it comes to truffles, the word "chocolates" was probably first used to describe them in the 16th century. However, truffles are in fact much older than chocolates. Early cavemen knew how to make truffles, which they ate for their sweet taste and for many other reasons. These days, they are a very popular ingredient in cooking because of their distinct flavors and textures. There is no denying that truffles are extremely delicious, but you can also have them as a delicious garnish on a salad or eaten with your favorite dessert.
Truffles look like tiny grains or clusters of chocolate. They are smooth but slightly irregular in size and are a very dark brownish in color. Although they are very tasty, they are not at all similar to real chocolate.
Truffles are generally sold fresh from the manufacturer but may be stored in airtight containers at room temperature in the refrigerator for up to a week or more. However, it is best to use this in the freezer or oven. To freeze them, wrap the entire truffle in a plastic bag and then place it into a freezer for about 30 minutes or so.
One way of using truffle salt is in baking. If you want to put some in your favorite chocolate truffle recipe for a gourmet version, add two teaspoons of it in with the cocoa powder.
For example, if you are making a chocolate truffle ice cream, add one teaspoon of truffle salt to the recipe along with the dry ingredients. In this recipe, it may also be useful to mix one tablespoon of sugar and four tablespoons of powdered truffles together.
You can also serve truffles as a garnish for desserts and other dishes. A truffle spread on a slice of fruit salad is always nice as well as on the side of a cup of tea.
As mentioned earlier, truffles are a very expensive item, so if you really are interested in purchasing some, do not buy them in bulk. There are many sites on the internet that offer this in a variety of sizes.
Also, you will save money when you buy online. Often, you can find truffle salt at discounted prices by purchasing several of them from the same company.
Truffles are a great treat to enjoy during any season of the year. They can be enjoyed by all types of people.