WHITE TRUFFLE
Scientific name: Tuber magnatum pico
White truffle is generally considered the ‘King of the Truffles’ and is very valuable since it is extremely rare. It has an irregular and globular shape, with a smooth surface that varies in colour from a light ochre to a dark cream, through to dark green. These features are determined by the stage of maturation, and the type of soil and plant within which the truffle is grown. White truffle has a very intense and aromatic fragrance, and is a perfect complement to a mild-tasting dish, to which it gives its amazing scent.
Harvest period: from October to January
RARE BLACK TRUFFLE
Scientific Name: Tuber melanosporum vitt
Has a globular form, with a relatively roundish regular shape. The brown/black surface can contain rust-like shades under the loose earth coating. The interior is lined with clear, fine, and highly branched veins. The flesh of the rare black truffle is dark, with fine white filaments, and its fragrance is intense, aromatic, and fruity.
Harvest period: this truffle can be harvested throughout the winter months, and especially between November and March.
WINTER BLACK TRUFFLE
Scientific name: Tuber brumale vitt
Often confused with the rare black truffle, since they have very similar dark-brownish surfaces. Upon slicing, however, one can see that the winter black truffle’s flesh tends to be a more grey-brown, and that its fragrance (which is less intense than that of its rarer cousin) is reminiscent of hazlenuts and nutmegs.
Harvest period: mainly between January and March.
FRESH WHITE TRUFFLE or WHITEBAIT
Scientific name: Tuber borchii vitt or Borchii vitt
The external surface is irregular, smooth, and initially dirty-white in colour; once mature, this truffle becomes darker, and is almost yellow-red. The flesh also starts off light-coloured but, as it matures, becomes darker. It has a rather strong aroma that carries hints of spice and garlic.
Harvest period: between January and April.
SUMMER TRUFFLE, or BARK TRUFFLE
Scientific name: Tuber aestivum vitt
Black or brownish, the summer truffle is roundish although irregularly shaped, and has a firm, wrinkled texture. The flesh is a pleasing hazelnut shade and is marked by many white veins. The black summer truffle can accompany many dishes; its fragrance is intensely aromatic, and reminiscent of that produced by porcini mushrooms.
Harvest period: from May to August.
UNCINATE, or BURGUNDY TRUFFLE
Scientific name : Tuber uncinatum chatin
In some ways similar to the Summer Truffle, although the mature form has a darker, almost chocolate-coloured flesh, and the external layer is black with a rough, warty texture.
Harvest period: this truffle can be found from mid-October to the end of December.
SMOOTH BLACK TRUFFLE
Scientific name: Tuber macrosporum vitt
This black truffle has a hard shell, which is rough in texture due to the pyramid-shaped warts on its surface. While the exterior is black-brown, the flesh is purplish-brown to grey-brown with many white veins. It has an aromatic fragrance, which is carries a light garlic scent, reminiscent of the odour of the rare white truffle.
Harvest period: this truffle can be found from mid-October to the end of December.
MUSKY TRUFFLE
Scientific name: Tuber brumale var. MOSCHATUM DE FERRY
This truffle is distinguished by its globular shape, and a surface covered with many small, black warts. The flesh is pale brown-grey and crisscrossed with white veins. The mature forms are usually small, and have a strong, musky odour; they have a spicy flavour.
Harvest period: from December to March.
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