Mysterious natural delicacy - truffle mushroom
Among the many magnificent gifts of nature, a special place is occupied by the truffle mushroom, which has a unique taste and aroma. There is an opinion that those who have tried it at least once in their life never forget its specific smell. Behind the unsightly view lies an unsurpassed culinary masterpiece, which is admired by fans of exotic dishes. A close acquaintance with the mushroom will help you appreciate it.
The unsurpassed aroma of the product is a combination of the smells of fallen leaves, damp wood, soil and humus.
Experienced chefs admit that if you peel a lot of these mushrooms at one time, your head starts to hurt. But this is precisely its main feature.
General description of the mysterious delicacy
Inside, the mushroom truffle is filled with so-called veins of light and dark tones, on which spores of various configurations are located. The cut of the product is distinguished by a clear marble pattern in white, gray, chocolate or black. This is due to the variety of exotic fruit species.
Culinary experts use mushroom truffle to prepare various dishes. Pates, delicate sauces, aromatic filling for pies. An exquisite addition to meat and fish dishes. Often canned, frozen or served as an independent culinary masterpiece.
Looking for your favorite variety
This unique mushroom is considered an underground species, as it grows at the roots of ancient trees. In truth, the truffle is in a sense a parasite, because it draws useful substances from the plant for its existence. Despite this, it does not harm the tree in any way.
A huge number of species of such mushrooms live in their natural environment. The following varieties are considered the most popular.
Tuber aestivum
It is often called Russian truffle. It is found on the territory of the European part of Russia, in the Crimea, in the Transcaucasus. Grows at the roots of oak, evergreen pine and hazel shrubs. It is considered a summer species as the first specimens appear in June and continue to grow until mid-autumn.
Each individual fruit can weigh 400 grams with an average diameter of 10 cm.The age is determined by the color range of the pulp:
- white;
- yellowish;
- with a brown tint;
- grayish tint.
The age of the truffle is determined by the internal consistency of the fruit cut. Young specimens have a dense mass, old mushrooms are loose. The taste is reminiscent of a sweet nut. The aroma contains notes of algae. A truly unique product!
Tuber mesentericum
The autumn version of the mysterious mushroom is black. The chocolate-colored flesh is filled with white veins. The shape is round. The diameter of the mushroom ball is 8 cm. The weight is not less than 320 grams. The product smells like cocoa and tastes bitter.
Tuber melanosporum
The warty type of truffle is cultivated in many parts of the world. It is considered a winter species as it begins to bear fruit in early winter and ends in spring. It is one of the most valuable products, which is often called the "black diamond". Despite this, you can buy a truffle mushroom in specialized retail outlets and try its excellent taste.
The highlight of the fruit is multifaceted warts.They are reddish brown when the mushroom is young enough and turn black in old age. The flesh is usually light with a delicate pink tint. Over time, it takes on a brown or dark purple color, which indicates age. Strong aroma and pleasant taste tempt true culinary experts to prepare original dishes from them for a festive table.
Tuber magnatum
White truffle mushroom has an irregular fruit shape and comes in the following colors:
- yellow;
- red;
- brown.
It weighs on average about 300 grams. Some options reach the kilogram mark, which is even difficult to imagine. The product has an original aroma reminiscent of a combination of garlic and cheese. Grows in the northern part of Italy.
Tuber nitidum
The shiny red truffle impresses with its unusual aroma, which reflects the notes of such products:
- pear;
- coconut;
- sweet wine.
Grows in coniferous and deciduous forests. The first fruits in May, the last in August. The size is only 3 cm, the weight is up to 45 grams. Despite this it is used as an original product for fastidious gourmets.
Habitat in nature
Perhaps someone will think: since this delicacy is so expensive, can you try to find it yourself in the nearest forest? Getting to know where the truffle mushroom grows gives the answer to the question asked.
The product's habitat covers the following countries:
- Europe;
- Asia;
- America;
- Northern Africa.
Interestingly, the mushroom loves the roots of various trees. For example, a truffle grown in Italy is found on the trunks of birches, lindens and poplars. Black specimens of the Perigord species grow at the foot of oak, beech and hornbeam. Summer variants are found in mixed forests of Ukraine. Winter varieties are found in small groves and mountain forests where majestic cedars, oaks and pines grow.
On the territory of Russia, you can also find various options for the mushroom:
- winter grade;
- summer black;
- white truffle, often referred to as golden.
Interestingly, the golden type of mushroom is found in at least seven regions of Russia, including the Moscow and Leningrad regions. If someone is lucky enough to find the world's most expensive mushroom and skillfully cook it, then he is a happy person. In other cases, it is easier to buy a truffle from a store.
To find such a mushroom in the forest, it is better to focus on places where the vegetation seems stunted and not fresh. The soil near it has a gray or ash tint.
Artificial mushroom cultivation
In its natural environment, the truffle is distributed thanks to the forest animals that feed on it. Together with feces, spores fall on the ground next to the roots of trees, where they successfully take root. However, artificial cultivation of such mushrooms is practiced in many countries. Mostly these are black species.
To breed a truffle mushroom, the following factors must be considered:
- temperate climate;
- suitable types of trees;
- unique soil composition.
To achieve this goal, artificial green massifs of oak trees are created. In some cases, the roots of young seedlings are specially infected with truffle spores so that they can successfully develop on them. As you can see, the process of growing an exotic product requires a lot of time and effort. Therefore, only experienced specialists are engaged in this business.
The mushroom contains many useful elements that help strengthen the human body. Taking it for food, even occasionally, can forget about emotional disorders and other illnesses for a long time. It is practically harmless and does not cause food allergies.