We are sure you have heard of truffles and we are not referring to chocolate truffles, but to certain fungi that grow underground in symbiosis with the roots of certain tree species, such as oak or holm oak, among other trees. This type of fungus is highly appreciated in the world of gourmet cuisine and is considered an exquisite luxury ingredient that serves to add flavour, aroma and depth to a large number of dishes.
In fact, truffles have a smell and aroma that, although mild, is very easy to recognise. However, as it is an ingredient that is not abundant in nature and is quite difficult to obtain, truffles are quite expensive on the market.
However, it is also true that there are different types of truffles that grow in different regions of the world. In fact, you can find more than 40 different types of truffles all over the world. But keep in mind that most of them grow in the Mediterranean climate areas of Europe, especially in France, Italy and Spain.
Among them we find the black truffle, the most sought-after of them all and the one known as “the diamond of the kitchen (or of the woods)”. For this reason, in this article we are going to focus on the black truffle from Teruel and we are going to explain which are the characteristic features that differentiate it from the other types.
Black truffle from Teruel: what makes it different?
In the world of cuisine, there is no doubt that, due to its incredible characteristics, the black truffle from Teruel has an exceptional quality for the elaboration of a wide range of gourmet dishes. However, if you are wondering how the Teruel truffle differs from the other types, we advise you to pay attention, as we are going to show you what its characteristics are and why it is such an exceptional and highly sought-after ingredient.Characteristics of the black Teruel truffle
The black truffle of Teruel (Tuber melanosporum Vitt) differs from the types, to cite a couple of examples, Tuber aestivum and Tuber uncinatum by its black interior with white streaks. What differentiates the Tuber melanosporum Vitt variety from Tuber Brumale is its flavor and aroma since the latter has a bitter taste and a different aroma.
In fact, this subway mushroom can grow between 3 and 7 centimeters and weigh between 20 and 200 grams. Its appearance is rough -unlike other types of truffles- and black or almost black in color, and its interior is very dark with fine white veins. Its aroma is mild but very persistent, and so is its flavor, which is long and lingers on the palate for several minutes after tasting it.
The soil of the Teruel area is a key factor
We have no doubt that it is precisely the terrain of Teruel that is one of the differentiating factors that give this gourmet product its excellence. Truffles grow much better in limestone soils, which are poor in nutrients and very stony. In fact, they grow much better in soils with a certain slope, where rainwater does not accumulate.
Altitude is also important, as these mushrooms tend to grow best at an altitude of between 800 and 1,300 meters above sea level. All these conditions are therefore met in Teruel, especially in the region of Gúdar-Javalambre, where the town of Sarrión, considered the capital of the black truffle, is located.
Climate is vital for their development
Black truffles tend to grow best in areas that have short, cool summers with recurring summer storms. These are places where it tends to snow regularly in winter and where the wind usually blows strongly. For this reason, the Gúdar-Javalambre region is perfect for its cultivation.
This is because it has all the necessary conditions for the development of the black truffle of Teruel, whose harvesting usually begins in November and ends between the end of March and the beginning of April. For this reason, Trufalia’s fresh truffle comes from this area, which is considered the best place in the world to cultivate this exquisite fungus so loved by professional gourmet chefs.
Why choose black truffles from Teruel?
We often hear that Teruel truffles are a true delicatessen that adds depth, aroma and exceptional flavour to any recipe, no matter how simple it may be. This is because it is an ingredient that, due to the conditions in which it grows, the geography, the altitude, the type of soil and the climate, acquires a great personality.
For this reason, it is a highly versatile ingredient that can be added in a very simple way to any recipe, grating the Teruel truffles or cutting them into thin slices to enjoy the depth of their flavour and aroma. Therefore, you can use it to give a special touch to any pasta dish, rice dishes, pizzas, eggs, meat, fish and even spoon dishes, such as stew.
You should also remember that the black truffle from Teruel (Tuber melanosporum Vitt) is considered by the most prestigious chefs to be the best you can find on the market and the one that gives dishes the best experience in terms of flavour and aroma.
In the same way, it can also help you to give your dishes a decorative touch that will undoubtedly add a lot to the visual presentation of your recipes. In short, with Teruel truffles you can give your guests or diners a gastronomic experience they will never forget, which is a good reason to choose the black truffle from Teruel.
