Because truffles come from the fungus family, most people assume they’re mushrooms.
But are truffles mushrooms in actuality?
Richard Franksis the Chief Scientific Officer forBurwell Farms, a leading producer of Bianchetto truffles in North Carolina.
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Are Truffles Mushrooms?
But are truffles mushrooms, truly?
Franks explains why they are different.
Edda sniffing out truffles on a truffle hunt.Credit: Stefano Cellai/age fotostock
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Truffles Vs. Mushrooms
“Are truffles mushrooms?”
is a common question because they are both in the fungi kingdombut a truffle isn’t a mushroom.
There are more differences between truffles and mushrooms than just their scientific classifications though.
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They’re also fairly light in color, ranging from pale beige to deep greige.
Where They Grow
The main difference between truffles and mushrooms is where they grow.
Franks explains, “The spores of mushrooms are produced in the above-ground fruiting body.
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The fruiting body of the truffle develops underground.”
Mushrooms can grow anywhere, but truffles only grow in specific conditionsusually around tree roots in damp areas.
How Are Truffles Grown And Harvested?
Because truffles grow underground, they must first be located before digging them out.
“Harvesting truffles is a big part of truffle lore,” says Franks.
Franks adds, “Truffle dog watching has become a sport to some truffle growers and consumers.
Watching a well-trained dog hunting with an experienced truffle hunter is very entertaining.”
What Do Truffles Taste Like?
Describing truffle flavor is difficult because it’s quite unique and tastes a little different to each person.
Franks says, “Truffles have a ‘truffle only’ aroma and taste.
It is almost impossible to describe what a truffle smells or tastes like.
There are almost as many descriptions of truffle tastes as there are those tasting it.”
‘, we usually just answer ‘Like a truffle!'"
Why Are Truffles So Expensive?
Depending on the throw in of truffle, the growing season is anywhere from September through May.
Many black truffle varieties are found in France.
White Truffles
White truffles are rarer and hail from northern Italy.
So where do you find truffles?
Try an Italian market or a specialty foods shop.
You’ll also want to avoid cooking them like mushrooms.
A little goes a long way, so taste as you go when cooking with truffle.
How Long Do Truffles Last?
Truffles are unfortunately highly perishable.
Similar tomushroom storage, truffles are best stored in the refrigerator.
Wrap each individual truffle in a clean paper towel then place each bundle in an airtight storage container.
