The black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) is undoubtedly one of the most valued ingredients in the world of gourmet gastronomy. It is a fungus that grows in symbiosis with the roots of certain trees, especially holm oaks, oaks, hazelnut trees and kermes oaks, in regions with very specific climatic conditions and in limestone soils, subject to cold winters and dry summers on sloping, well-drained land. Spain, France and Italy are some of the most renowned countries for their production. Specifically, our country stands out for having the best conditions in the area around the municipality of Sarrión, located in the Gúdar-Javalambre region of Teruel, which is why it is known as “the capital of the black truffle”.
The harvesting season begins in mid-November and lasts until the end of March or the beginning of April, depending on weather conditions. Harvesting is not easy, as it requires patience, a thorough knowledge of the terrain and the indispensable help of trained dogs capable of detecting the characteristic aroma they give off when they have reached optimum ripeness.
These particularities explain why the black truffle has a high market price. But its value is not only based on the difficulty of finding it, but also on its unique flavour and unmistakable aroma, which are capable of transforming even simple dishes into real gourmet delicacies. However, in order to enjoy this magnificent mushroom, it is necessary to know how to clean it before consumption. We recommend you read on if you want to know how to do it.
How to clean a black truffle?
Once we have acquired the specimen we wanted through a trusted online shop, the first step before consuming it is to clean the black truffle properly. This process is essential not only to preserve its aroma, but also to prevent mud or dirt from spoiling the flavour of the dish in which we are going to use it, as well as for food safety reasons, to prevent the entry of harmful bacteria into our organism.
Note that, when harvested, the truffles arrive covered with soil. Of course, initially, this layer of soil acts as a natural protection that helps to preserve these mushrooms. Therefore, they should not be cleaned until the moment they are to be consumed, or at most a day or two before, to prevent them from losing moisture, as well as their flavour and aroma from being negatively affected.
If you are wondering how to clean the black truffle properly, the safest and most effective way is to use a small soft-bristled brush (like a child’s toothbrush) and gently scrub it under a trickle of cold water to remove any remaining dirt. We recommend that you do not leave the truffle submerged, as it could absorb water and deteriorate easily. With delicate movements, try to remove all the soil from its surface, bearing in mind not to damage its skin.
You can check our article “How to preserve the black truffle“, where we also explain when it is best to clean this gourmet mushroom if you are not going to consume it immediately, and where you will find tips on how to properly preserve the black truffle after this process.
How are truffles prepared for eating?
Once cleaned, it is time to prepare the black truffle for cooking. Here it is important to bear in mind that it is an extremely delicate ingredient, whose aroma is volatile and sensitive to excessive heat. For this reason, it is not usually cooked as such, but added at the end of the preparation or sliced directly on hot dishes such as pasta, eggs, creams or meats.
To make the most of its flavour, it is best to use a special slicer or a very fine grater. Thin slices allow the aroma to be released little by little with each mouthful. For example, you can grate it if you are going to incorporate it into a warm sauce or risotto. If the truffle is ripe and fresh, grating or slicing small quantities will be enough to transform a dish into a true gourmet delight worthy of the best haute cuisine restaurants.
If you want to know if it is worth buying black truffle to eat at home, we recommend you to read our article, as we show you the reasons why you should buy this gourmet fungus to use it in your dishes, its benefits for domestic use or how to use it to get the most out of it at home.
How can the black truffle be consumed?
Although it is most common to use grated or sliced truffles on hot dishes, there are other creative ways to enjoy them. One of the most traditional methods is to truffle food: it consists of preserving eggs, rice or butter together with the black truffle in an airtight container for a few days. The aroma of the truffle is able to strongly impregnate the other ingredients thanks to its powerful capabilities.
You can also grate Tuber melanosporum Vitt very finely and mix it with extra virgin olive oil to create a homemade truffled olive oil, or you can even add small cubes in cream or liquid cream to give a gourmet and distinguished touch to all kinds of sauces and savoury desserts. The important thing to remember here is that its flavour is enhanced when it comes into contact with hot food, but it should never be overcooked, as this would destroy its delicate perfume and flavour.
Tips for preserving black truffles
In addition to knowing how to clean and preserve a black truffle, it is essential to bear in mind some practical issues if you want to prolong its freshness. For example, we recommend that you never freeze it without protection, as truffles are very sensitive to direct cold. If you want to freeze it, it is best to wrap it in cling film and store it in an airtight container.
If you are going to consume it in a few days, you can store it in a glass jar with some raw rice (which has a great capacity to absorb humidity) and close it hermetically. It is advisable to change the rice every two days to prevent the rice from spoiling when it comes into contact with the moisture in the truffle.
We must also say that you should consume the black truffles as soon as possible, as its aroma tends to weaken as the days go by. The black truffle is much more than a luxury ingredient: it is a jewel of nature that, treated with respect and care, can provide an extraordinary culinary experience. Knowing how to clean the black truffle, how to prepare it for cooking and how to preserve it correctly is essential to enjoy it in all its splendour.
You can use it in a simple toast with truffled oil, or you can use it in homemade pasta dishes or a smooth risotto, as this gourmet mushroom is capable of turning the everyday into something truly special. So, we can conclude by saying that now that you know how to clean and prepare black truffles, we have no doubt that you will be able to take your dishes to the next level.
