Black truffles are made from the fruit of a species of mushroom called the "black truffles." These types of mushrooms have been grown in certain regions of Europe and Asia for hundreds of years.
Truffles can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they all have a similar fine powdery substance. These fine bits of truffles then have a unique flavor that is best described as very sweet, nutty, and somewhat bitter. While there are some places in the world where the flavor is less pronounced, these are the exceptions to the rule.
Truffles that are commonly found in North America have a sweet taste and are almost identical in size and shape. They are sold as a type of brine or as a topping on cakes. Real truffles however have actual pieces of the truffles themselves, not something flavored with artificial chemicals. Tasty, but not overly sweet, they can be used in many ways in the kitchen. The black version of this popular Italian dish is a popular topping for salads, sandwiches, soups, and many other dishes.
Black truffles have the same medicinal value that was previously attached to the truffles produced by the Italian mushroom. In recent years, black truffles have even been identified as having antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antifungal properties.
Truffles can be eaten raw, cooked, or even dried. Traditionally, the Italian cooks boil the truffles with wine or cream and use it in their cooking. The best way to enjoy the flavor is to add the mixture to pasta dishes or sauces.
In recent years, black truffles have become more popular in North America, and they are now making their way onto restaurant menus as an alternative to the traditional Italian version. With their unique flavor and the popularity that they gain, many people are beginning to use truffles to enhance the flavors of their dishes.
In some cases, the black truffles are combined with other ingredients to create interesting combinations. Some people combine them with Rosemary, parsley, oregano, and mint to make a spicy peppermint spice mixture that is great on a pizza. Others may use them in place of Rosemary to give a light scent to a salad. Many people use them in place of fresh thyme to provide a savory flavor to baked foods. There are many ways to enhance the taste of the truffles without having to add any extra salt.
Because the real truffles contain a bit of salt, they do require some preparation before they can be used in recipes. As with any new cooking technique, you need to rinse the mushrooms well before adding the salt so that you can prepare them correctly.
Rinse the mushrooms very well to remove all traces of water. This will allow the mushrooms to retain as much of the liquid from the wine as possible. It will also help to ensure that the salt does not stick to the surface of the mushrooms. Once the mushrooms are completely dried, place them into a strainer and sprinkle some salt over them.
To prepare the cheese mixture, simply combine the cheese with the mushrooms and mix until smooth. When it has been thoroughly blended, place the mixture into a sealed airtight container and store in the refrigerator. You may need to let the mixture sit for several hours before using it in recipes.
Once you have prepared the black truffle salt mixture, you can begin preparing the finished dishes. In many cases, the addition of this tasty ingredient will enhance the taste of the meal that is being prepared. If the recipe calls for truffles to be placed directly onto bread, a mixture of a couple of spoonfuls of truffle salt and some olive oil is an excellent addition to the bread. Other great truffle salts and olive oil combinations include Italian sausage, fish, chicken, rice, or pasta.
Truffles can also be used to enhance many vegetables including eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes, and potatoes. They also make an excellent garnish on salads. The possibilities are endless!