We are just one month away from the new fresh truffle harvesting season . Both truffle growers and consumers are eager to taste this season's new black truffles.
The black truffle, also known as the winter truffle, is harvested from late November to early March, approximately. For this reason, fresh truffles can only be consumed during these few weeks of the year. Perhaps this limited availability is one of the qualities that makes the truffle a culinary gem.
Fresh truffle growers
As we mentioned, truffle growers are also eager to harvest the first black truffles of the season and assess their quality. And since the truffle is a subterranean fungus, growers must wait for its optimal ripeness before digging up the fresh truffles , observing them, and evaluating the results of their cultivation.
Black truffles are cultivated through mycorrhization of a plant , a process—in this case, artificial—that involves introducing a plant's root system into contact with a type of mycorrhizal fungus, such as the black truffle. This fusion is achieved through inoculation using spores. The plants are then cultivated and must be cared for and maintained year-round. In the case of black truffles in Spain, it can take up to eight years to produce the first truffles.
On the other hand, although harvesting takes place during the winter months, truffle growers must tend to the crop throughout the rest of the year. Among the various tasks are irrigation, weeding, and pruning. The truffle grower must maintain the trees that form a symbiotic relationship with the truffle. As we have already mentioned, the black truffle is a fungus that grows underground and forms a symbiotic relationship with a plant. For this cultivation, plants of different varieties that have been previously mycorrhized can be used. Among these plant varieties are the holm oak (Quercus ilex), the Portuguese oak (Quercus faginea or pubescens), the kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), the hazel (Corylus avellana), and the rockrose (Cistus sp.).
Truffle dogs in search of fresh truffles
So how do truffle hunters find truffles if they're underground? Truffle dogs are the key players in the harvest of fresh truffles . This activity requires a trained dog. Furthermore, truffle dogs must possess certain characteristics such as a keen sense of smell, good physical condition, obedience, patience, and a tendency not to get easily distracted. But the most important factor is the bond between the truffle dog and the hunter; it's crucial for finding fresh truffles. For this reason, there isn't one specific breed for this task, although some breeds are more popular with truffle hunters because they possess most of the necessary qualities. Among these breeds are: Lagotto Romagnolo, Brittany Spaniel, Border Collie, Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, and others.
Traditionally, wild truffle harvesting was done with shepherds' dogs, but now truffle growers are opting more for farmers and hunters for this activity of cultivating and harvesting fresh truffles.
The black truffle is prized in cooking not only for its flavor but also for its aroma. It has been identified that the black truffle contains over 100 aromatic compounds , including earthy, fruity, sulfurous, caramel, and buttery notes. This potent aroma is what allows truffle dogs to locate the truffle and pinpoint its exact location .
Fresh truffles in the kitchen
As we've already mentioned, there are only a few months when you can enjoy the gastronomic gem that is the fresh truffle. We're talking about fresh truffles because most top chefs maintain that they should primarily be consumed raw . This way, the black truffle retains its more than 100 aromas and flavors. Therefore, chefs recommend grating fresh black truffle over cooked and plated dishes such as soups, pasta, and risottos.
Of course, we find other preparations in the kitchen where fresh truffles are used, such as in the preparation of butters, sauces or oils that are part of a recipe, and this is known as the truffle technique.
But this truffle-infusing process can also be done with some foods before cooking or preparation. For example, eggs and rice can be truffled beforehand. To do this, the black truffle and the fresh egg or rice should be placed in a glass container and refrigerated for a few hours. In this way, the eggs or rice will absorb some of the aromas of the fresh truffle and give a special flavor and aroma to the dishes.
Buy black truffles online
At Sentidos Truferos, our fresh truffle platform, we offer you an easy way to buy black truffles online. When you buy black truffles from Aragon at Sentidos Truferos, we guarantee that the fresh product will arrive at its destination in perfect condition . So all you have to worry about is enjoying it and savoring it in your favorite recipes.
At Sentidos Truferos, we are committed to the quality of every single fresh truffle sold on our platform, ensuring our customers enjoy the finest product. Regarding price, we guarantee that the truffle price is always up-to-date and reflects current market value.
We offer high-quality products, fresh truffles, with the ease of buying what you need in just a few clicks. Buying black truffles online has never been easier than with Sentidos Truferos.
Sell fresh truffles online
If you are a producer or distributor of fresh truffles, Sentidos Truferos is the perfect place to market your black truffles. If you cultivate, harvest, or sell fresh truffles and want to sell them online, Sentidos Truferos offers a specialized portal for your sales. Benefit from the guarantee we offer when selling truffles at Sentidos Truferos.
