Truffles, also known as "black truffles" are a delicacy that comes from the trees of the Asilah Tree in Southern France, among other places. A truffle is basically the exterior portion of a tiny fruiting body of buried ascomycete fungi, mostly one of the classifications of the genus Tuber. In addition to Tuber, several other genera of fungi can be classified as truffles such as Geopora, Peziza, Choiromyces, Leucangium, and moreover a hundred others. This class of fungi belongs to the Genus Erythropodia and is common all over the world.
One of the most important things you need to know about these mushrooms is that black truffle salt, although available in different forms, is actually made from real fungi. This means that it isn't some type of sugar solution or an embedded foreign particle that you find in foods that have been coated with sugar or flavorants. No, in fact, black truffle salt is prepared from real fungi. This is a major advantage because of how difficult it is for fungi to grow without a substrate. Although this preparation method is quite difficult, it is the only way to prepare black truffle salt which is one of the most popular spices in the world.
The reason why black truffle salt is so difficult to grow is that the fungi that produce it need specific conditions. For instance, the soil and environment must be very alkaline so that the growing medium can develop properly. Other than this, there must also be plenty of air circulation in the container where the fungi are growing. Since fungi grow best when there is little or no air, the lack of this will prevent them from growing to their full potential.
When you compare black truffle salt to other types of sea salts, you might think that it's quite expensive. But don't assume that this is the case. On the contrary, this is one of the most inexpensive types of salts you can purchase. If you compare it to other types of sea salts that are quite expensive, like rock salt, then you'll find that black truffle salt is a much cheaper alternative that is just as effective. This makes it perfect for people who aren't quite sure of how much they want to spend on something like this.
Black truffle salt is also known for its delectable flavor. This is because it has a unique way of mixing in the food you eat. It will start out as a thin film on your food before becoming a thicker and darker mixture that resembles tar. This gives it a distinctive flavor that is not found with other sea salts. You will undoubtedly find this delicious when eating scrambled eggs, oatmeal cookies, coffee, or tea.
The black truffle salt that is sold in shops comes in three different grades. The lowest grade is simply called a salt crystal. It is still effective, but it will tend to melt easily if you keep it indirect heat. But if you're using it to season foods, then you'll be able to preserve them longer and use less of them.
The highest grade of black truffle salt is called crystal salt. This is the kind you should use to season and cook with. It is made up of 80% calcium carbonate. The high quality of this type of sea salt is reflected in the price, which is actually quite affordable. Like the black truffle salt, it too is used to season foods, although it has a different flavor.
Both black truffle salt and truffle oil are great for cooking. You can also sprinkle them on desserts to add a bit of color. Use your imagination and you will come up with many more uses for these tasty treats. Do try them, you may be surprised by what they can do for your cooking and your dishes!
