Truffles are a highly valued food ingredient. They smell musky and taste uniquely tantalizing. Only a small number of the more than 200 available truffle species are prized for use in restaurants and food. Despite the fact that they can be used interchangeably, there are differences in seasonality, cost, and usage. Since truffles are fungus, they develop in symbiotic cooperation with tree roots. Truffles grow totally underground, unlike more typical mushroom species.

The flavors of black truffles are nutty, earthy, sweet, oaky, and musky. Black truffles can be paired with robust red wines like a French Bordeaux or an Italian Barolo. White truffles have a similar earthy, pungent, and musky flavor but are a little spicier and more intense due to the presence of garlic overtones. White truffles should never be heated up since the flavor will be lost. Instead, quickly shave over the plate. Pair with white wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

What to Know About Truffles Before You Dine

Truffles are an extraordinary ingredient you’ll likely encounter on the menus of the world’s best restaurants. Famed for their pungently earthy aromas, these special fungi are among the most expensive delicacies on the planet. While they cost a pretty penny, you will not want to miss the chance to try them. Here is what you should know about them before you order.

Why Are Truffles So Rare?

Truffles are tricky to grow because they need the right moisture levels, minerals, and pH in the soil. While black truffles can be cultivated to some degree, that simply isn’t the case with white truffles. Other varieties do exist, but it is the white truffle, the rarest of them all, which is most highly coveted. Furthermore, white truffles need to be scouted out with a keen sense of smell. Pigs were once used for this task, though today, dogs are trained to seek them out without destroying the delicate root systems of the host trees.

Truffles Are a Finishing Touch

When enjoying truffles, keep in mind that for your portion, you will only get a small amount. White truffles are best when added as a finishing touch. This allows them to let their delicate flavors shine through at the world’s best restaurants. Often, white truffles are grated onto the dish just prior to serving to maximize this flavor for your palate. If the cost of white truffles seems a bit out of reach, consider enjoying black truffles like the French Perigord. You’ll get more abundance for the cost. All truffles seem to work brilliantly upon simple pastas, potato dishes, or even light soups.

Store Them Properly

If you luck into having truffles at home, they will be best when they are fresh. You will have around one week from the time your purchase your truffles to finish using them. Unable to finish your truffle in one sitting? You can wrap each truffle in a napkin, though you will need to change those napkins twice daily due to the moisture these fungi emit.

Go Bigger and Bolder with Your Wines

Now for something to drink with your truffle dishes. At the world’s best restaurants, it doesn’t matter so much whether you choose red or white wine. What does matter is the age of the wine though. Older red wines will be a splendid match because they will have more of those earthy, truffle-like aromas. Older whites will have savory flavors along with hazelnut, another splendid match for truffle dishes.

As far as seasons go, winter truffles bring more intensity in flavor than summer truffles. For this reason, they will be best with those fuller wines like a Barbaresco, Barolo, or an aged Bordeaux. Summer truffles are less aromatic, so a lighter Burgundy or even an aged, full-bodied Chardonnay will do the trick. If in doubt though, ask the sommelier at the world’s best restaurants which wines would be perfect with your truffle dish.