The black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.), also known as “the black diamond of the kitchen”, is an exquisite fungus that grows under the ground and is considered one of the most prized and valued ingredients in the world of haute cuisine and gourmet gastronomy. Originating in Europe, mainly in France, Italy and Spain, the black truffle is the most sought-after truffle on the market. This is due to its rarity, its unique and intense flavour, as well as its unmistakable aroma that delights everyone.
Physically, the black truffle is characterised by a very dark, rough outer layer of skin, with a very dark interior, practically black and with white veins. Its size can vary between 3 and 6 centimetres in diameter and its weight is usually between 20 and 200 grams. It is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, such as pizzas, pastas, eggs, meat, vegetables, soups, etc.
However, it is true that this gourmet mushroom, which you can find in our fresh truffle section, can easily lose its properties if it is not stored in perfect conditions and can spoil. For this reason, we must say that, in order to enjoy all its qualities when adding it to our dishes, it is essential that you learn how to preserve it properly. For this reason, in this article we are going to focus on explaining how to preserve black truffles to guarantee the best flavour. Read on if you want to know how to do it.
When should the black truffle be consumed?
Like any fresh product, the black truffle has an optimal consumption period in which its flavour and aroma are at their best. As a general rule, it is usually recommended to consume it within the first 15 days after its harvesting. This is because, after that time, it can lose its nutritional properties, as well as its aroma and flavour. However, if you have cut or grated the black truffle to season some of your dishes, you should know that you can keep it in the fridge, but you should finish consuming it within 5 days before it starts to spoil.
However, you should also bear in mind that the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) is a fungus that is cultivated in certain areas, such as, for example, in the Gúdar-Javalambre region in Teruel, and during certain months. Therefore, the harvesting season usually begins in November and ends at the end of March or the beginning of April.
This means that during the spring and summer season, a priori, you should not find black truffles. However, it is possible to eat them if you freeze or refrigerate them. Now, it is true that their aroma and flavour will be affected, but this is the best way to consume this delicacy out of season. For this reason, we believe it is important to learn how to preserve black truffles.
How to preserve fresh black truffles
In order to preserve fresh black truffles in the best possible way and prevent them from spoiling, it is essential to take into account some tips. The first thing to keep in mind before storing the black truffle is that it is essential to clean it properly. It is advisable to use a soft, dry brush to remove any dirt that you find on the surface of the truffle.
After cleaning, it is important to dry the truffle carefully with kitchen paper or a clean, dry cloth. Note that you should remove any traces of moisture before storing to prevent spoilage. For storage, it is ideal to wrap it in kitchen paper or a dry paper towel. It can also be stored in an airtight container with a rice base to prevent moisture.
Although it seems a trivial matter, the position in which we store the black truffle is very important. You must do it very carefully, avoiding that the truffles touch each other. This way, if one starts to rot, the probability of it affecting the rest is lower. In addition, it is highly recommended that you place them horizontally and not vertically, to prevent them from deteriorating.
Likewise, to keep its properties intact, the black truffle should be kept in a cool and dry place, between 3 and 8 degrees centigrade. Ideally, it should be kept, for example, in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator in the least cold part, but never in the freezer, especially if you want its flavour and aroma to remain intact. However, if you want to store them in the long term, you can do so, but bear in mind that their properties will be altered. In this way, you will have learned how to clean and preserve a black truffle.
Tips for preserving black truffle
In addition to these basic tips on how to preserve black truffles, we are going to give you some additional recommendations that can help you preserve this gourmet fungus for longer. If you store it in the fridge, you should change the kitchen paper or towel every two or three days to prevent moisture from accumulating and deteriorating.
Also, if you are going to be consuming it for a long time, we recommend not washing the black truffle. Although it may seem tempting, it is important to do so before storing it. Even so, if you decide to do so, make sure you dry it well with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Remember that these gourmet mushrooms are very sensitive to moisture and bacteria, so if you expose them to water, they may start to spoil.
As mentioned above, it is best to consume the black truffle as soon as possible so that you can enjoy its flavour in all its splendour. For this reason, we recommend buying it in small quantities and using it grated or sliced within a short period of time. Likewise, if you freeze it, you should not defrost it, but grate it directly over hot food to maintain its properties as well as possible.
In summary, we can say that the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt) is a delicate and precious ingredient that requires specific care in order to enjoy all its qualities and splendour in the world of cooking. If you have followed our advice and how to preserve black truffles properly, you will always have truffles to add a touch of luxury and exquisite flavour to your dishes.
