Truffles Gourmet
What makes truffles such valuable food? In ancient Rome, these mushrooms were believed to have medicinal properties. In the Renaissance, the truffle was used as an aphrodisiac. It was only in the 15th century that delicious delicacies began to be prepared from truffles in Italy. Truffle is a very strong antioxidant – it cleanses the body of toxic and carcinogenic substances. Eastern healers use truffle juice to treat the eyes. In Italy, truffle extract is the main component of cosmetic masks.
But its most famous application is in haute gastronomy.
Experts divide the smell of truffles into two notes - "salty" and "sweet". The saltiness consists mainly of various sulfides, which give the truffles the smell of cheese, garlic and seaweed. A sweet note is provided by esters responsible for nuances of nuts, oak leaves and fruits.
They are so different. Black truffles are also sought after Perigord, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Garlic, Exotic, Sweet, Hungarian. In Africa, the so-called desert truffles of the genus Terfezia grow - also valuable, aromatic and tasty. In Russia, black summer, autumn and winter truffles are collected (along the Black Sea) and the so-called black Indian truffle in Primorye.
By the way, the process of extracting truffles is also great fun. As a rule, its main character will be a specially trained hunting pig. The fact is that the aroma of truffles contains androstenol, the sex hormone of pigs. That is why the animals roam the forest with such enthusiasm. However, pigs tire quickly, are voracious and difficult to train. In addition, they harm the earth. The animal digs the ground so diligently searching for truffles that it breaks the mycelium. After such a hunter, the truffle recovers for two to three years. That is why it is already forbidden to go hunting with pigs in Italy. Bears were once used for hunting truffles in Russia, but today this is pure history. Now the miners are dogs of the Lagotto-Romagnolo breed with an excellent sense of smell. These are the best underground mushroom hunters - a trained dog can cost 6,000 euros.
As they say, it's better to try once than hear many times. One example - in Italian and French restaurants, truffles are truffled right and left, offering a wide variety of dishes with truffles - chips, sauce, oil, dressing or pesto.
Try our gourmet delicacies with truffles and make your table tastier, healthier, and your partner happier.
