You may have seen on the menus of some restaurants that include dishes containing a prominent ingredient called “truffles”. And although you may think that it is the chocolate candy that you usually eat at Christmas parties, it is actually a gourmet food that has a very different nature and that, of course, serves to season all kinds of dishes, because it has a very characteristic flavour and aroma.
In general terms, we can say that the truffle is a very special fungus that has the particularity of growing underground in symbiosis with the roots of certain species of truffle trees. Among them, we can highlight mainly the oak and holm oak, but it can also grow together with hazelnut, pine, chestnut, willow, walnut, birch or kermes oak, among others.
These mushrooms are usually found thanks to the help of truffle dogs, which need a certain amount of training to be able to carry out this task. However, truffles are not easy to find because they grow in certain regions with very specific climatic conditions and soil types. Also, there is no single type of truffle. For this reason, in this article we are going to take a closer look at this subject.
What types of truffles are there?
There are considered to be more than seventy types of truffles in the world. Of these, thirty-two are considered to come from Europe. Each one of them has certain properties that can vary greatly from one to another and not all of them have the same gastronomic prestige. Among them, the following are some of the most appreciated:
Tuber Melanosporum (The black truffle).
Thus, we can say that, among the different types that exist, we can find the Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.), which is known as the winter truffle. It is one of the most popular because of its flavour and aroma, which make it a highly appreciated food in gourmet cuisine.
It is mainly found in France, Italy and Spain. However, the best place in the world where it can be grown is in Teruel, in the Gúdar-Javalambre region, specifically around the town of Sarrión. If you want to enjoy its flavour and include it in your recipes, you can find it in our whole black truffle section, in Trufalia.
Tuber Magnatum (The white truffle)
The white truffle (Tuber magnatum) is considered the queen of truffles. It is mainly found in Italy, especially in the Piedmont region, and grows only in the wild because it has not yet been cultivated. It is one of the truffle varieties that is usually appreciated for its intense and complex aroma, with hints of garlic, cheese and sometimes even honey.
Tuber aestivium (Summer truffle)
As its name suggests, the Summer Truffle (Tuber aestivum), also known as the “St. John’s Truffle”, is found during the warmer months of the year. It is one of the cheapest types of truffles in Spain, compared to the varieties you can find during the winter, but even so it also has a distinctive flavour and aroma, with notes of garlic and nuts.
Tuber Brumale (Black Truffle of Périgord)
It is one of the most similar types of truffles to the Sarrión black truffle, but it is less appreciated due to its mild and less aromatic flavour. They are mainly found in the Périgord region, in France. They usually ripen during the winter months and are found up to 30 cm below the ground.
How to identify the different types of truffle?
Identifying different types of truffles is by no means a simple task, as some species look very similar to each other. However, it is true that there are some methods that can be used to distinguish them. Therefore, we are going to give you some specific guidelines for the types of truffle we have just mentioned.
The Tuber melanosporum (Black Truffle) is characterised by its black or very dark brown external surface. It has a rough exterior texture, and a black interior with white veins. It also has a strong and distinctive aroma and flavour. These truffles are found in Spain, among other European countries.
The Tuber magnatum (white truffle) is quite different from the black truffle. Its external surface can be light in colour as well as its interior. The texture of its skin is softer compared to other truffles and it has a strong and very recognisable flavour and aroma. If you want to differentiate it from the previous one, you can consult this article: Black truffle vs. white truffle: a comparison of flavours and aromas.
On the other hand, the Tuber aestivum (Summer truffle) is usually smaller than other truffle varieties and tends to have an irregular shape, often with protuberances. Its surface is usually very rough and has a light brown to dark black colour with a fairly light interior. The interior can be cream, beige or even white. Their aroma is less intense than that of truffles in Spain in winter.
The Tuber brumale (Black Truffle of Périgord), although it has differences, can be easily confused with the Tuber melanosporum Vitt. Its external surface can have a black colour, so it usually has darker tones tending to grey. Its skin is rougher and rougher than that of other truffles and although its aroma is intense, it is milder.
What truffles are there in Spain?
Spain stands out as a producer of some of the best quality truffles that can be found today. Among them, we must highlight, without a doubt, the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) and the summer truffle (Tuber aestivum).
Among them, the most outstanding truffles in Spain are black truffles, which are obtained in the area of Teruel, in the Gúdar-Javalambre region, as they are considered to be the best quality truffles in Spain. They are highly appreciated all over the world for their intense and characteristic flavour and aroma, which are capable of transforming any dish into an appetising delicacy.
In conclusion, we can say that truffles, in Spain and in the rest of the world, are gourmet mushrooms highly appreciated for their distinctive flavour and aroma. With varieties such as black, white, summer and Périgord truffles, each one offers a unique gastronomic experience. In Spain, especially in Teruel, you can find some of the best in the world, such as the black truffle, which is capable of delighting the most demanding palates.
