*

One of the most expensive delicacies in the world is the white truffle, at an approximate retail price of $3,424/lb., that’s a whopping $214 per oz. (https://truffle.farm/truffle_prices.html).

The white truffle is smooth and has a slight yellow tinge and is found in the Piedmont region of Italy. (https://untolditaly.com/truffles-in-italy/) Overall, the majority of truffles are found in Italy and France.

One of the most highly sought after truffles is the black truffle found in Villefranche-du-Perigord. These are the most popular, however, these small delights may be found in other places, including the United States. Check out the truffles of Sonoma, California (https://www.kj.com/blog/kendall-jackson-truffle-harvest).

Truffles are expensive because they are hard to find and are seasonal. To “sniff” out these subterranean tubers, pigs were used in the past to dig them up. But the pigs would eat them before the hunters could get the truffles. Now, it is very common to use dogs to find them.

There is an abundance of information out there regarding the different types of truffles, where they grow, and the times of year they can be found. Check out these links for the history of the truffle. (http://www.trufflespecialty.com/en/truffles.html) and (http://www.nerodicognaro.com/en/truffle-world/history-of-truffle/)

So, if you never had the pleasure of trying truffles because of price or the very short shelf life, there are some products out there that you can purchase for a fraction of the cost that do have a longer shelf life.

Truffle butter is a great way to get that truffle flavor and the leftovers can be frozen for up to a year if stored properly. Then there’s truffle salt, one of my favorite flavorings for roasted potatoes. The salt will last long past the expiration date if stored in the refrigerator.

I’m sure most people have heard about truffle oil. But when it comes to truffle oil, you may not be getting a real truffle infused flavor, but a flavor produced in a lab. Check out this article about what to look for when purchasing oil (https://www.eataly.com/us_en/magazine/culture/truth-truffle-oil-urbani/).

And one last thing I would like to mention, the first time I had truffle balsamic vinegar I was in Florence, Italy. As I was meandering down the side streets by the Piazza di Santa Croce, I came upon a little specialty oil and wine shop called Italian Loves. They had a sign out front offering free wine tastings. Of course, I just had to check it out. Not only did I get to try fantastic wines, but they also offered tastings of other specialty items including truffle balsamic vinegar. What a game changer! This was one of the best things I have tasted in a while. Needless to say, I filled a box of items and had it shipped back home. I used that truffle balsamic vinegar on everything! Vanilla ice cream with strawberries, a caprese salad, and with a charcuterie platter, drizzled over some Pecorino. Definitely a tasty treat.

And if you decide to purchase whole truffles, I highly recommend a truffle slicer. This allows for very thin slices over your risotto, or scrambled eggs. But if you have a mandolin, that will also work well.