Info about Truffles
Truffles and The Varieties Available in the Market
Truffles are available in wide variety in the market. There are so many types of them available in the market that can be very overwhelming. But investing time in learning about how they are graded and harvested one can get the best of them at a very affordable cost and also enjoy the whole process of shopping for them.
Fresh truffles can be bought if one knows at what time of the year they are harvested. The quality and taste depends upon their freshness. Although you can find them in both seasons, winter and summer but it is advised by most of the well known chefs around the world that the winter truffles are good than the summer ones in term of taste, flavor, aroma, and palatability. They can be a bit expensive in this season but if affordable one must buy them in the winters.
While buying truffles, keep a good knowledge about how they are graded. They are usually divided into three different categories with regards to grading: “super extra”, “extra grade” and “first choice”. These grades determine the freshness and other aspects. The best ones are those who are graded as “super extra” and these are enormously expensive; not everyone can afford them.
The other category is “extra grade” and these are the ones that are graded after the super extra. These are also of great choice. And the remaining harvest is graded as “first choice” these are less costly but are of good choice as well. “First choice” truffles are usually preferred by most of the people as these are a bit affordable.
As truffles are a specialty ingredient, it is very difficult to find them at the local grocery shops or stores. And others that carry them do carry them in a very limited amount. Some grocery stores do carry products like truffle oil, butter, etc, but these stores do not have quality or variety in them. You will not even feel the actual taste as the products that are available at local grocery stores is not up to the required standard.
But if you want to find the variety and good quality, try buying your truffles form a specialist. There are various gourmet and specialty food stores that carry good variety and good quality truffles. At the specialist and gourmet stores, you will find two categories or varieties of truffles; the white ones and the black ones.
Both are graded in the same way, that is, into three categories that were discussed earlier. The fresh black ones are known to have a very strong flavor and aroma which add a kink to any dish. Whereas the white ones are very light in flavor and are used as light garnish for many dishes. The light flavor and aroma of the white ones makes them a very delicate ingredient that is added as a garnish on rich creamy dish of pasta. It is best that you go for the fresh ones in order to add more flavor and excellent garnish to your dishes.