Getting truffles on the market can be as difficult as it is expensive, so truffle oil is a way to have their rich flavor on the table, no matter the season, climate or region. Truffle oil is popular among chefs and diners, mainly European, because it intensifies the flavor of foods.
And now you can also bring the secret of the best chefs in the world to your table.
What is truffle oil?
Truffle oil is a type of extra virgin olive oil flavored with truffles, used in cooking to impart the rich flavor of truffles in foods. Truffles are a genus of edible mushroom that can be found associated with the roots of trees. In France they are known as "the diamond of the kitchen." to honor its flavor in food.
In the market you can find white truffle oil and black truffle oil, both have particular differences in flavoring and appearance that you should know to know when to use one or the other in meals.
Difference Between Black Truffle Oil and White Truffle Oil
Black truffle oil honors the flavor of black truffles, a characteristic fungus that appears in Teruel, Spain and Périgord in France. Its main characteristic is its black color on the outside and a somewhat rough appearance, although when you open it you will get numerous white veins.
On the contrary, the white truffle is native to Italy, mainly from the areas of Umbria and Piedmont. Their prices are usually much higher than those of black truffles due to the difficulty of obtaining them. Its color is whitish and its texture is smooth. Inside you can see a combination of brown and reddish veins with white veins.
In addition to the characteristic difference in appearance between white and black truffles, their taste also tends to be different. White truffles have a more intense flavor than black ones, so the oil also maintains this relationship. This makes the use of truffle oil in cooking different as well.
How to use truffle oil in cooking?
Black truffle oil has a mild flavor, making it ideal to add to salads. Combined with balsamic vinegar, the flavor of fresh vegetables is highlighted. It is preferred for making mashed potatoes and in pizzas it has very good flavor performance.
White truffle oil has a much more intense flavor than black truffle oil, so it should be used with caution in cooking. It is preferred for pasta dishes, since combined with Parmesan cheese it creates a rich explosion of flavor. It is also recommended in dishes where eggs are served as this livens up its flavor. With a few simple drops of oil you can concentrate great flavors on the dish.
