Truffles are a kind of gourmet fungus that grows underground in symbiosis with the roots of certain tree species. It is a rather difficult ingredient to find and cultivate, so it tends to be quite scarce. However, due not only to its rarity, but also to its incredible flavour and aroma, it is a highly valued ingredient in the world of haute cuisine and gourmet gastronomy, as it helps to improve the quality of any dish or recipe.
In fact, the black truffle, known by its scientific name Tuber melanosporum Vitt, is often used to add flavour and aroma to a multitude of dishes, enhancing their quality in an impressive way. For this reason, it is often used to give a much tastier and aromatic touch to dishes as diverse as fried eggs, pasta, cheese pizza, rice dishes, pâtés, foie gras, meats, etc.
However, some foods can be truffled, so that they absorb part of the flavour and aroma of this gourmet fungus, such as boiled eggs, cheese, mayonnaise or, in our case, truffle oil. In general terms, we can say that it is a type of oil, generally extra virgin olive oil, which has been infused with truffles and which provides a great flavour to our recipes.
How to make truffle oil at home?
Of course, if you want to know how to make homemade truffle oil, it is necessary to buy a whole black truffle in tinned or natural form, such as the one you can find on our website. Once we have this gourmet mushroom in our hands, we must grate or slice about 15 gr. of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.), put about 250 ml. of extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan and heat it for about 15 minutes together with the grated or slices of this mushroom until it reaches about 65ºC, but do not exceed this temperature, since, if we do so, the truffle could start to lose its characteristic flavour and aroma.
Although we recommend using 15 grams of grated or sliced truffle, it is true that we should add the quantity of this fungus that we prefer to the oil, as the higher the proportion of black truffle to the quantity of oil, the more flavour and aroma of this gourmet fungus, so highly appreciated in the world of haute cuisine, will be released.
Once you have infused the oil with the black truffle in the pot for the 15 minutes indicated above, you can leave it to cool, because you will have obtained an excellent homemade truffle oil. Once it is at room temperature, you can use it to give more flavour to your salads, boiled foods, pasta dishes, rice, meat, fried potatoes and even to enjoy truffle oil and bread toasts that will surprise you.
How to preserve truffle oil?
Once we have obtained the homemade truffle oil and we have used it to season our favourite dishes, you should know that you should not leave it at room temperature for a long time. This is because, although truffle oil can last for months in perfect conditions, as time goes by it loses its flavour and aroma, so it is advisable to consume it in a short period of time.
However, if we want this homemade gourmet truffle oil to last for much longer, it is necessary to learn how to preserve it properly. To do so, you can keep it in a completely airtight container and leave it in a cold place, such as the fridge or freezer. The colder it is, the more likely it is to retain its aroma over time.
What are the benefits of truffle oil?
Homemade truffle oil is an ingredient that has certain properties that could provide some beneficial effects on our organism. For example, thanks to its high amounts of vitamin E, it is considered an essential product to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in our body.
Likewise, thanks to the fact that the black truffle contains a remarkable amount of minerals, such as phosphorus and calcium, it is considered that it could help to strengthen the bones, as it contributes to the absorption of these minerals. Likewise, as it contains fibre, it is also considered that it could have digestive properties, which could be beneficial to make digestion smoother, avoiding the appearance of some negative symptoms, such as heartburn.
Also, as truffles are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, but provide very few calories, homemade truffle oil is considered an essential ingredient in weight control diets, as it can add a lot of flavour and aroma to food without using other elements, such as salt, which can also be beneficial for heart health and the cardiovascular system.
In conclusion, we can say that homemade truffle oil is a delicious way to enjoy the distinctive flavour and aroma of this gourmet fungus. Easy to make at home with black truffle and extra virgin olive oil, this condiment elevates the flavour profile of a variety of dishes, from salads to pastas, rice dishes and meats. In addition to its exquisite flavour, truffle oil can also provide certain health benefits, making it one of the most versatile and tasty options to enhance your meals in a matter of seconds.
