What is Truffle? Overview of Varieties, Season and Quality
Everything restaurateurs and traders should know about fresh truffles: which varieties exist, when the season is, and how to ensure freshness and quality.
- Since 2018: trading fresh truffles
- About 24 hours: delivery time via UPS Express
- B2B only: restaurants, trade, wholesale
- Clear net prices per kg
Truffle: the aroma that refines dishes
Truffle is a fungus that grows underground, in symbiosis with tree roots. It cannot be cultivated like a vegetable, but is found, depending on variety and season, with specially trained dogs. This is exactly what makes it a rare, seasonal product.
A few grams are enough to define the flavour of pasta, risotto, eggs or sauces. For kitchens and trade, three things matter most: the right variety, freshness and reliable delivery. The current range is available in the shop under Buy Fresh Truffles.
- Aromatic: earthy, nutty, with notes of garlic or hazelnut depending on the variety.
- Generous: guideline of 3 to 5 g per portion.
- Seasonal: availability and price depend on the harvest and variety.
The main truffle varieties
Season windows are guidelines and may vary by year and region.
| Variety | Season | Aroma | Culinary use |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Truffle (Tuber Magnatum, Alba truffle) | Autumn | Very intense, garlicky | Shaved raw over warm dishes |
| Black Winter Truffle (Tuber Melanosporum, Perigord) | Winter | Bold, earthy, complex | Sauces, fillings, raw and lightly warmed |
| Burgundy Truffle (Tuber Uncinatum) | Autumn/Winter | Mild, nutty | Pasta, risotto, eggs, butter |
| Summer Truffle (Tuber Aestivum) | Summer | Subtle, nutty | Cold dishes, carpaccio, sauces |
| Bianchetto (Tuber Borchii) | Late winter/Spring | Garlicky note, bold | Pasta, risotto |
| Asian Truffle (Tuber Indicum) | Winter | Subtle | Butter, sauces, cost-effective use |
Preserving freshness: storage at your business
- Store refrigerated, ideally at about 2 to 4 °C
- Wrap in kitchen paper, keep in an airtight container
- Change the paper daily to avoid moisture
- Brush and clean only shortly before use
- Use within a few days
Quality: first or second choice
For Uncinatum we offer two qualities. First Choice (A quality) has regular shape and is suitable for shaving in front of the guest. Second Choice (small tubers) has the same flavour of the variety and is the economical choice for sauces, butter and fillings.
Recipes for professional kitchens
With quantities for 10 portions and truffle share calculation.
- Tagliatelle with Truffle – cream sauce, parmesan and fresh Uncinatum.
- Truffle Risotto – Carnaroli, butter and truffle shaved at the pass.
- Truffle Butter – stock for steak, bread and sauces.
Frequently asked questions about fresh truffles
What is a truffle?
A truffle is an edible fungus that grows underground, in symbiosis with the roots of certain trees such as oak, hazel or poplar. It is searched for with dogs and is considered a delicacy for its intense aroma.
How do you properly store fresh truffles?
Best refrigerated at about 2 to 4 °C, wrapped in kitchen paper and in an airtight container. The paper should be changed daily. Fresh truffles quickly lose aroma and should be used within a few days.
Which truffle variety suits which cuisine?
For everyday cooking, Uncinatum, Melanosporum and Asian truffle are good choices. Uncinatum pairs with pasta, risotto and eggs, Melanosporum also tolerates light heat in sauces, Asian truffle is the cost-effective variant for butter and sauces.
How do I recognize good quality?
Fresh truffles are firm, smell intensely and have a clean cut surface. We offer First Choice (regular shape) and Second Choice (small tubers) with the same flavour of the variety.
Do you also supply private customers?
No, we supply exclusively business customers from restaurants and trade.
Fresh truffles for your business
Request our current net price list and availability. Delivery via UPS Express in about 24 hours.