The fresh black truffle is a highly appreciated gourmet ingredient in the world of haute cuisine thanks to the flavour and texture it provides to even the simplest dishes. This fungus is highly valued in the market due to the fact that it is quite difficult to cultivate and obtain, as the Tuber melanosporum Vitt grows underground next to the roots of certain trees and in regions with very specific geographical and climatic conditions.
In our country, these are found in Teruel, in the region of Gúdar-Javalambre and, specifically, in the surroundings of the municipality of Sarrión, which is known as the capital of the black truffle. Therefore, it is a fungus that is usually obtained in very small quantities for which we pay quite a high price.
They usually develop after the scourge of summer storms in well-drained and fairly steep terrain and their harvesting begins in November and lasts until the end of March or the beginning of April. This is known as the black truffle season.
Moreover, it is an ingredient that, if not kept in optimal conditions, can spoil very quickly. For this reason, many people ask if fresh black truffles can be frozen to extend their use and to be able to enjoy this exquisite ingredient even when it is not in season. In this article we are going to answer this question and we are going to give you some facts that you may find very interesting. Keep reading if you want to know them.
Can black truffles be frozen?
The short answer is yes, black truffles can be frozen, as this method of preservation allows black truffles to be preserved for a much longer period of time. Note that the black truffle can be kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of 12 days, in a sterilised and airtight glass container, before it starts to degrade.
It is considered that the perfect temperature threshold for its conservation in the fridge is between 3ºC and 8ºC. These temperatures are low enough for micro-organisms to begin to develop. However, if we freeze it, we can store it for future use, extending its shelf life by up to a couple of years if done correctly. This is especially useful for restaurants and catering businesses, but also for the home.
Remember that customers do not always ask for truffle dishes and, when we are at home, sometimes we feel like other food dishes. Therefore, if we freeze it, we can defrost it and enjoy its flavour whenever we want. However, if you want the black truffle not to lose too many properties when it is frozen, you must follow certain steps that will help to guarantee an optimal state of conservation.
How to freeze the black truffle?
Knowing how to freeze the black truffle is essential to ensure that it is preserved in the best conditions to guarantee that its nutritional properties, flavour and aroma are not lost. However, you should keep in mind that fresh black truffles are much more nuanced than frozen, but it is a good way to enjoy this gourmet ingredient throughout the year, even though it is out of season.
However, it can be used by grating it over pasta dishes and pizzas and even to truffle some foods, such as cheese, olive oil or eggs. Therefore, if you want to freeze this gourmet ingredient, the first thing to do is to wrap the fresh black truffle in aluminium foil. It is essential that you make sure it is well wrapped, as this will protect it from freezer air and humidity.
Afterwards, you can put the black truffle in a freezer bag with an airtight seal and extract as much air as possible so that it is as isolated as possible from the outside air before sealing. Another option, although less efficient, is to wrap the truffle in aluminium foil with cling film.
Regardless of the type of method you have used to guarantee an airtight seal, you should note down the freezing date and what the package contains to control the shelf life and then put the bag with the fresh black truffle that you will want to taste again after a few weeks or even months in the freezer.
How long does a truffle last in the freezer?
As mentioned above, although it loses some of its properties, the truffle can be frozen to extend its shelf life. If this fungus lasts between 9 and 12 days refrigerated in the fridge, the truth is that, if we freeze it, this time can be extended well beyond this threshold.
In other words, by freezing the black truffle, it is possible to preserve it in excellent conditions for months. In many cases, it can be perfectly consumed after a year and, in some cases, it is even possible to maintain its properties for about two years from the day of freezing.
It is therefore a good way to ensure that we can enjoy their characteristic flavour and aroma for a long time, even though they may lose some of the quality that makes them exceptional ingredients in the world of haute cuisine. However, it is the best way to achieve this and to be able to enjoy the wonders of this gourmet mushroom whenever you want.
How to defrost a truffle?
If you want to know how to defrost a truffle, you should bear in mind that they cannot be defrosted just like that. In fact, it is recommended to grate or slice them while they are still frozen to prevent them from losing their properties and to maintain their full flavour and aroma. This way, if there is any truffle left over after grating it, you can freeze it again immediately and without waiting for it to thaw.
However, if the truffle has already thawed completely, it is not advisable to put it back in the freezer to respect the cold chain. If you do so, it is likely that it will start to degrade during freezing and will end up spoiling in a matter of hours.
In summary, we can say that the fresh black truffle, which is a culinary treasure prized for its unique flavour and aroma, can be frozen to prolong its shelf life and enjoy it at any time of the year. Although its freshness will be best maintained in the refrigerator for about 12 days, freezing it properly can extend its shelf life up to two years in the best case scenario.
It is crucial that you follow the specific steps we have shown you to wrap and hermetically seal the truffle before freezing it in order to keep its properties as intact as possible. When you are ready to use it, it is best to grate or slice it as soon as you take it out of the freezer to preserve its quality as much as possible. This way, you can enjoy the exquisite flavour and aroma of this exceptional mushroom in your gourmet dishes whenever you want, without worrying about it deteriorating.
