Truffles are a luxurious ingredient used in a variety of delicious and enticing dishes. They also offer numerous health benefits. Join us today as we explore everything about truffles in the article below!
1 What are Truffles?
General Information about Truffles
The word truffle originates from the Latin word “tūber”, which means “swelling” or “lump”. Thus, it is commonly known as lump fungus. This fungus belongs to the Tuber genus and is native to European countries, mainly found in temperate regions such as western Italy and the Périgord region in southwestern France.
Truffles are known for their rough exterior, with a lumpy shape and a small size, weighing between 20 grams to larger specimens of up to 1 kilogram. Unlike other mushrooms, truffles grow underground and are often found parasitizing the roots of oak trees. Moreover, their intense and captivating aroma is what truly sets them apart and makes them highly prized.
These fungi typically have a dark brown or light brown color and are usually harvested from September to March of the following year, depending on the specific truffle variety.
2 Types of Truffles
The following are the most common types of truffles found in the market:
Winter White Truffles
Winter White Truffles
Native to Italy, these truffles are renowned for their potent and distinctive aroma, making them the most valuable among all truffle varieties. They are typically harvested from September to March of the following year.
Winter Black Truffles
Winter Black Truffles
Known as the “Black Diamond of Provence”, these truffles are found in European countries such as Italy and Spain, offering exceptional nutritional value. They are characterized by their dark, rough exterior and unique interior with brown and gray veins. The harvesting season for this variety typically runs from November to March of the following year.
Summer Black Truffles
Summer Black Truffles
Summer Black Truffles boast a deep black exterior and are commonly found around the roots of oak trees in temperate regions. They are harvested annually from May to August.
Terfez Desert Truffles
Terfez Desert Truffles
Originating from the Middle East and North Africa, these truffles are distinguished by their light brown color and captivating aroma. They grow in deserts and usually emerge after rainfall. The harvesting period for this variety is typically from December to April of the following year.
Chinese Black Truffles
Chinese Black Truffles
Commonly known as Himalayan truffles, this variety is found in regions such as Bhutan and Tibet. They are used in traditional Chinese medicine and highly valued for their nutritional content. The harvesting season for Chinese Black Truffles typically spans from September to December.
3 Benefits of Truffles
Nutritionally Rich
Nutritional Abundance
Truffles are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are considered a nutritional powerhouse, offering a plethora of health benefits.
Antibacterial Properties
Antibacterial Benefits
Beyond their exceptional nutritional profile, truffles possess antibacterial properties, helping to combat microorganisms and inhibit bacterial growth.
Memory Enhancement
Boosting Brain Function
Truffles contain significant amounts of ergothioneine, which helps maintain the health of the nervous system. Additionally, they stimulate the production of nerve growth factors, promoting brain health.
Potential Anti-Cancer Effects
Fighting Cancerous Cells
The presence of polysaccharides in truffles has been found to slow the growth of tumors, reduce inflammation, and stimulate enzymes in the liver that can neutralize cancer-causing agents. Furthermore, their antioxidant properties help prevent the formation of malignant tumors.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Reducing Inflammation
Truffles are effective in limiting the formation of free radicals due to their high content of polyphenols. This helps protect cells from damage and reduces the risk of inflammation in the body.
4 Where to Buy Truffles and Their Price
Purchase Locations and Price Range
To acquire high-quality truffles, you can visit specialized stores that sell imported food products from reputable brands. Alternatively, you can also purchase them from trusted online marketplaces.
In the market, truffles command a very high price, ranging from 140,000,000 to 160,000,000 VND per kilogram. Notably, white truffles are significantly more expensive than their black counterparts, with prices up to three to four times higher.
We hope you found this article informative and insightful. If you’re a connoisseur of exotic mushrooms, be sure to give truffles a try!
