Truffle

FRESH TRUFFLES FROM ITALY

In all truffle seasons, every Tuesday we receive fresh truffles directly from Italy, ensuring exceptional quality and peak freshness. Among the many truffle varieties, three stand out as true culinary treasures: the white truffle, the the black winter truffle, and summer truffle, The first two are regarded as the finest of all, celebrated for their extraordinary depth of flavour and great aroma.

Truffles are one of nature's most remarkable delicacies. These rare subterranean fungi develop beneath the soil in a unique symbiotic relationship with the roots of selected tree species, including oak, poplar, hornbeam, and hazelnut. This intricate underground network, known as mycelium, thrives only under ideal conditions, where sufficient moisture and the right climate allow the truffles to mature slowly and naturally.

Their unmistakable fragrance has fascinated both humans and animals for centuries. Rich in compounds that resemble the pheromones released by male wild boars, truffles were traditionally hunted with female pigs. Today, however, specially trained truffle dogs have become the preferred companions, combining remarkable precision with a gentler touch that preserves these precious underground gems.

Although Italy is renowned as the world's premier truffle-producing region, exceptional truffles are also found in France, Spain, and parts of the Balkans. Their rarity and the challenges involved in cultivating them make truffles among the most sought-after ingredients in fine dining.

To preserve their delicate aroma, fresh truffles are best stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in absorbent kitchen paper and placed in a ventilated container. When properly cared for, they retain their optimal character for several days.

The season for summer/autumn truffles (Tuber aestivum and Tuber uncinatum) extends from May well into the winter months. Black winter truffles are typically at their peak from December through March, while the highly prized white truffle is available, in favourable harvest years, from mid-September until December. Outside the fresh season, the unmistakable essence of truffle can still be enjoyed through carefully preserved whole truffles, frozen truffles, and premium truffle specialties such as truffle oil, mushroom-based truffle salsa, and artisan truffle pasta, bringing the unmistakable taste of this culinary jewel to your table all year round.