Black truffles are a type of marsupial fungus whose fruiting bodies develop underground. Gourmets are ready to pay incredible money, just to feel their exquisite taste and aroma. The price per kilogram of real black truffles reaches thousands of dollars and more. And the demand for these products in expensive restaurants is not decreasing.
Black truffle mushroom
Fruit bodies that ripen in the soil form mycorrhiza with the root system of oak or other deciduous trees. The black truffle (pictured above) is usually irregular or spindle-shaped, reaching 3 to 9 cm in diameter. The surface is dark (reddish-brown), when ripe it is black, it turns rust-colored when pressed. On the cut of the pulp, a marble texture is clearly visible on a gray or pinkish background.
Since in the natural environment the depth at which the fruiting bodies develop can be up to half a meter, the search for black truffles was previously carried out using trained pigs. The specific smell of mushrooms attracts animals from tens of meters, and they clearly indicate the place to their owners, trying to dig them out. Truffles are served in restaurants raw (as a condiment) or cooked. The taste of blackdiamond spicy with a characteristic aroma and barely pronounced bitterness.
Features
Black truffles are believed to evoke sensual associations and specific desires. The aroma of real mushrooms resembles a bouquet of smells, in which walnuts, moss, berries, fallen leaves on forest soil are guessed. Although the chemical composition of the truffle is no different, gourmets in expensive restaurants order the delicacy as an exquisite condiment or addition to the main course.
The quality of the product does not depend on the proportions of the mushroom. Although restaurants prefer sizes no larger than an orange. It is convenient to cut such a mushroom into thin slices so that you can evaluate the original appearance and clearly show the marble texture on the cut. The largest black truffle (2.5 kg) was found in 1951.
Similar species
Experts distinguish more than 40 varieties of truffles. They are divided into genera, distinguishing among them groups depending on the region: Italian (Piedmontese), Perigord, Oregon, Chinese, Black Russian, Himalayan, Central Asian. According to the ripening season, summer and winter subspecies are distinguished. Traditionally, black truffles are considered real.
Differences appear in appearance. The characteristic black coloration with a warty surface can vary to almost smooth and creamy and even almost white. Marble texture on the cut is also different. Contrasting dark with bright white streaks is valued. AlthoughA "white Piedmontese" truffle with an inexpressive faded pattern, as a rarer one, can cost even more. The taste of real black truffles is bright and rich. Winter varieties have a richer musky aroma.
Growth environment
You need to look for black truffles in deciduous forests. They prefer light, porous, calcareous soil. It is extremely difficult to determine the place of possible growth of mushrooms in advance. Many factors influence: the level of groundwater, the abundance of precipitation, the age of the trees, the composition of the accompanying vegetation, the climatic features of the region and the particular site.
Black truffles in Russia are little known to mushroom pickers. The specificity of their search imposes additional conventions. If someone accidentally saw a similar mushroom that miraculously made its way to the surface and was not found in time by wild animals, then not everyone is ready to recognize it as a representative of the truffle family.
The harvesting season depends on the species. Winter truffles ripen from October. In areas with a warm climate, the season begins in the first days of the new year and lasts until March. Summer truffles can be found until late autumn. Historical places of growth - France, Italy, Spain. But similar species can be found throughout the European continent. In Russia, due to the peculiarities of the climate and deep freezing of the soil, only the summer variety of truffles grows.
Search Features
Collecting black truffles with the help of trained pigs is not always convenient. They possessinnate sense of smell, but it is difficult to train them. Plus, they get tired quickly. When a find is found, they try to dig up the mushroom as soon as possible, damaging the soil.
A dog trained for the smell of truffles is more beneficial in this regard. But preparing a good bloodhound takes time and practice. The learning process follows a standard pattern. From puppyhood, food with the smell of truffles is added to food. It is cooked on decoctions of mushrooms. They also rub various objects, hide them, and then offer to find a cache. Later, the bookmark is buried in the ground. At the same time, they are accustomed to the area where the collection is planned.
To find the place of growth of truffles, according to experts, it is possible by the presence of swarming midges. Red flies choose places where truffles grow to lay eggs. From them, larvae hatch in the soil, which penetrate into the fruiting body of the fungus and feed on it until ripening. You can identify truffle places and abundantly torn soil. Wild pigs, moose and other animals are also not averse to feasting on the delicacy.
Artificial cultivation
The complexity of this process is due to the way disputes spread. Mushrooms ripen underground, and therefore the species has adapted to survive in special conditions. Mushrooms with spores are eaten by wild animals, pass through the digestive tract and again enter the soil with secretions. If the conditions are right, they germinate, form mycorrhiza with the root system of deciduous trees. After some time, fruiting bodies of truffles grow from the developed mycelium.
There were successful attempts to grow mushrooms onartificial plantations. Acorns from oaks, at the foot of which truffles were found, were collected and planted in the prepared soil. After 6–7 years, mycelial threads were found among the roots of some young oak trees. After some time, the fruiting bodies of mushrooms appeared. Currently, black truffles are cultivated in different countries. Large volumes of quality products are shipped from China. The Australian growing system has also performed well.
Black truffles among tomatoes
This variety of tomatoes is not widespread among gardeners and summer residents. But due to the exotic appearance of the fruit, buyers are increasingly asking for it. There are disputes about the origin of the variety. Some argue that the tomato was bred by Russian selection. However, they are usually referred to as "Japanese truffle". Black is also present in the color range of the fruit. What is special about these tomatoes? Did breeders breed this variety only for the exotic color?
Such tomatoes are classified as mid-season varieties. From the appearance of the first shoots to fruiting, an average of 115 days pass. With proper care, a bush is formed up to 1.5–2 meters high and requires a mandatory garter. Tomatoes are tied in brushes. They usually form 5-6 groups on the stem, 3-4 brushes have time to ripen. Unripe tomatoes are harvested and set aside for ripening. They can reach the condition by the beginning of winter if they were collected in October. The average weight of tomatoes is about 100-150 grams. From one bush you can collect up to 4 kg. pulpdense fruits, few seeds. The taste of tomatoes is sweetish, with a subtle sourness. Skin color is brilliant. Longitudinal grooves are visible from the sides.
Tomato "truffle black": reviews
The advantages of the variety include the ability to withstand temperature extremes and a short drop in temperature. The fruits ripen before the first autumn frosts. Unripe tomatoes can be stored at normal temperatures for 3-4 months. The high resistance of "truffles" to fungal infections is also noted.
Ripe fruits are good for canning. In the bank they look original. The salad of fresh tomatoes looks the same, where among the standard red and yellow shades there are pieces of saturated dark brown with a purple tint (eggplant) color. In the variety of tomatoes "Japanese truffle" there are several types. The most original is the black truffle tomato.
Description of other subspecies differs in color of fruit. In addition to the traditional red hue, pink and yellow are also distinguished. Fruits of all colors have a characteristic pear shape. The skin of the fruit and the pulp are dense, the variety withstands transportation well. Tomatoes of different colors differ in taste. The yellow varieties are considered the sweetest. They can be compared to fruits, but "black truffles" have a peculiar (noble) flavor.
