Although many people when they hear the word “truffle” think of a chocolate candy, it is actually a high-value gourmet mushroom. Its scientific name is Tuber melanosporum Vitt. and it grows underground in symbiosis with trees such as oaks, holm oaks, hazelnut trees and kermes oaks. This fungus needs special conditions of humidity, altitude, temperature, as well as the characteristics of the terrain found in areas such as the town of Sarrión, in the region of Gúdar-Javalambre, in Teruel, considered the capital of the black truffle.
Thanks to its unique and unmistakable aroma and flavour, the truffle has become an essential ingredient in the world of haute cuisine, as it adds complexity to dishes without adding significant calories or fat. For this reason, the black truffle commands a high price on the market and is a protagonist in gourmet restaurants. To make the most of its characteristics, the truffle should be consumed raw and in small quantities, either grated, diced or sliced.
What is truffle carpaccio?
Black truffle carpaccio is an ingredient in which the black truffle is cut into thin slices. This cut allows its flavour and aroma to be present in the dishes, greatly enhancing the gastronomic experience. Generally speaking, carpaccio, which originates from Italy, is a way of cutting food into thin slices and serving it raw. This term is used quite frequently in cooking to describe sliced raw meat or fish dishes. For example, beef carpaccio is quite famous in our country.
However, in the case of the black truffle, the carpaccio goes one step further, as it becomes a way to enjoy the truffle and its essence without other foods masking it. Truffle carpaccio allows us to taste the black truffle in its purest and most elegant state. In haute cuisine, this technique is used to add a final touch to dishes just after cooking, offering an exquisite, unique and luxurious gastronomic experience.
How to use truffle carpaccio?
The versatility of truffle carpaccio makes it an ingredient that can enhance the flavour and aroma of many types of dishes. The key to its use lies in its unique character and aromatic intensity, which is why it is used in small and very fine quantities to enhance flavours without being masked by others. Here are some ways to use black truffle carpaccio to enjoy its qualities.
For example, adding a few slices of truffle carpaccio at the end of cooking pasta or risottos is a delicious way to enhance these dishes. The truffle perfectly complements the creamy and smooth texture of these foods, creating a unique and extremely tasty contrast of flavours.
You can also add a gourmet touch to pizzas, pinsas romanas, calzones or bruschettas by adding truffle carpaccio to the hot base just before serving. In combination with melted cheeses, such as parmesan or taleggio, the flavour of this fungus complements perfectly.
Of course, truffles are an excellent partner for eggs. You can place thin slices of truffle carpaccio on top of an omelette, scrambled eggs or fried or boiled eggs to add a sophisticated touch to these traditional dishes. You can also add slices of truffle carpaccio on canapés with cheese, foie gras or Iberian ham to impress your guests with an excellent and elegant combination of exquisite flavours.
How to preserve truffle carpaccio?
Proper preservation of truffle carpaccio is essential to maintain the freshness and properties of the product. The black truffle is a delicate fungus, so it requires some special care in order not to lose its excellent qualities. If you have bought packaged carpaccio of this gourmet mushroom, you should know that it usually includes a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and a little salt to maintain freshness and prevent oxidation. Here are some useful tips to preserve your truffle carpaccio and enjoy it to the fullest:
You can store it in the fridge
If you buy packaged carpaccio, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 5°C to prevent it from losing its aroma and flavour. Once opened, we advise you to keep it closed and consume it within 7 to 10 days before it begins to lose its qualities.
Freezing can be a good way to preserve it.
If you have fresh truffle carpaccio at home and want to keep it for longer, then the best option is to freeze it. We recommend placing several separate portions of truffle slices on a tray or in a container and putting them in the freezer so that you can take them out whenever you want. Although its flavour and aroma will be slightly lost after freezing, you will be able to enjoy this delicacy even in those off-season months when it is no longer possible to buy it fresh.
Using olive oil and salt and refrigerating it can be helpful.
As we have mentioned, one of the most traditional techniques used to preserve truffle carpaccio is to soak it in a mixture of olive oil and salt and then refrigerate it. This method not only preserves the flavour of the truffle carpaccio, but also impregnates the oil with its aroma, which can then be used to dress salads, pasta or any dish you wish to enjoy. However, this method will require you to consume it within five to ten days.
Place the truffle carpaccio in a sterilised glass jar.
Truffles are very sensitive to oxidation, which can cause them to lose their aroma and flavour very quickly. It is therefore important to handle the carpaccio with care and to store it in a tightly closed sterilised jar to protect it from airborne bacteria and fungi.
Keep an eye on the best-before date
Most packaged truffle carpaccio products come with an expiry date. Although the product may become edible after that date, its aroma and flavour deteriorate rapidly after that date, so it is preferable to consume it within the recommended time.
In short, we can say that truffle carpaccio is a delicious and sophisticated way to enjoy the black truffle at its best. Thanks to its presentation in thin slices, the carpaccio allows the flavour and aroma of the truffle to permeate our dishes in a subtle and elegant way. You can use it in pastas and pizzas, as well as in salads and canapés, so there is no doubt that this delicacy can be used in a multitude of different ways, each of them allowing you to enjoy a different combination of flavours and aroma.
Moreover, if properly preserved, black truffle carpaccio can be kept in excellent condition so that you can enjoy it on several occasions. So, the next time you are looking to add a gourmet touch to your dishes or want to impress your guests, there is no doubt that truffle carpaccio can be your best ally!
