The Ultimate Guide to Buying Truffles
by: Gavin Ashford
When you buy truffles for the first time it can be quite intimidating, and it is easy to be overwhelmed by the wide variety of truffle types on the market. By taking the time to learn about how truffles are harvested and graded, you will be able to get the most for your money and enjoy your truffle shopping experience.
The first thing to keep in mind is that truffles are a specialty ingredient, and as such they are unlikely to be found at your local grocery. While some local grocery stores may carry a limited number of truffle products like truffle oil and truffle butter, you are unlikely to find the variety or quality you need. Instead you will want to buy truffles at a specialty store or from an online gourmet food store, which offers the opportunity to conveniently buy truffles online
When shopping for fresh truffles, knowing the time of year they are harvested assists in determining their quality and palatability. Chefs the world over agree that winter truffles are far superior to summer truffles in both aroma and flavor, so if you can afford it, buy winter truffles whenever possible.
That brings us to another important distinction in the world of truffles. These delicacies are divided – quite literally – into black and white. Fresh black truffles have a strong flavor and an equally strong aroma, and this heady combination makes them the perfect ingredient for many upscale dishes.
Fresh white truffles, on the other hand, are best suited as a delicate garnish and a wonderful finish to a variety of dishes. The delicate flavor of white truffles makes them a wonderful topper for rich and creamy pasta dishes.
When you buy truffles it is also important to know how these specialty items are graded. Fresh truffles are divided into three distinct grading categories – super extra, extra grade and first choice.
Only the best fresh truffles get to wear the super extra crown, and those that do tend to be very expensive. The top 10% or so of truffles harvested are classified as extra grade, and those truffles are an excellent choice. The rest of the truffle harvest goes into the first choice category. These truffles will be less costly than the other grades, but an excellent choice nonetheless, so you may find that this grade works best with a smaller budget.
About The Author
Black Star Gourmet is a unique gourmet food store offering only the best gourmet food online at unbeatable prices. Buy truffles from Italy, buy caviar online, French foie gras, Belgian chocolates, international gourmet food and gourmet food gifts for all occasions. Shop for gourmet gifts from unique caviar gifts to cheese gift baskets and more all online at Black Star Gourmet. The author invites you to visit: http://www.blackstargourmet.com
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