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Buy truffles of the highest quality
Buying truffles is a delicate matter and should be done with caution, especially online. The precious tuber is too expensive to risk its quality. At Di Bennardo, we stand for transparency, sustainability and quality.
With us you can buy truffles online from experienced truffle producers and collectors from Italy. Check out our truffle products here in our online truffle shop - buy truffle in Switzerland now!
Also read our blog post about the truffle hunt in Piedmont
The fresh white Alba truffle is available seasonally from November to December.
What are truffles?
Hearty real truffles are underground mushrooms that grow in calcareous soils near the roots of deciduous trees. They are mostly harvested in concentrated areas around the world, including Italy, France, Switzerland, New Zealand, China and the Pacific Northwest.
Are truffles mushrooms?
Due to their spore-containing body, truffles are generally considered to be a form of mushroom (they belong to the tubular mushroom family). However, there are some important differences between these two groups. Truffles grow underground, whereas mushrooms typically grow above ground. In addition, edible truffles do not taste very similar to traditional mushrooms, although both have a certain earthy flavour. In addition, truffles have the appearance of tubers rather than stems or caps.
What types and varieties of truffles are there?
Black winter truffles
Tuber brumale Vitt and Tuber melanosporum Vitt. - these truffles are harvested primarily in Italy, Spain and France, as well as in Switzerland, where they grow in the shade of oak, hazelnut, chestnut, elm and poplar trees, typically from November to March, with peak values in January and February. The black winter truffle can be distinguished between the Perigord truffles (Tuber melanosporum) and the so-called nutmeg truffles (Tuber brumale). ‘Tuber brumale’ has only 40% of the intensity and power of its counterpart ‘Tuber melanosporum’. The outer ones are greyish-brownish-black, with white, spider-like veins on the inside indicating maturity. Both taste reminiscent of pepper, cocoa, mushrooms and earthy notes without the bitterness of white truffle.
White winter truffle
Tuber Magnatum Pico: This truffle is often called ‘Piedmontese truffle’ or ‘White Alba truffle’. White Alba truffle is celebrated for its garlic-like taste (also reminiscent of shallots) and for its intense earthy and musky aroma. Fresh white truffles are not white, but rather yellowish or beige in colour, with a smooth appearance. They are considered the highest quality and best truffle in the world. From October to December, you can buy the coveted white Alba truffle from us!
Black summer truffle
Tuber Aestivum: Although not as highly valued as the winter variety, the black summer truffle is still a delicious and versatile ingredient. Depending on the weather, the season for these truffles runs from May to the end of August. From the outside, it looks quite similar to the black winter truffle with a gnarled, rounded shape and dark brown skin. The black summer truffle is not as spectacularly fragrant and aromatic as the white truffle, but it has a very nice fragrance, much more subtle, with nutty aromas. Buy these elegant black truffles from us now and see for yourself!
Why do you have to look for truffles?
Breeding or growing your own truffles is too difficult and does not yield the same results as collecting fresh truffles. Hardly anyone would want to buy these truffles for quality reasons. That’s why trained collectors (including trained truffle dogs) go on a truffle hunt for the precious tubers.
Where can I find truffles?
Truffles can be found in certain rural areas and sparse forests, such as Piedmont and Tuscany. Where the soil is calcareous, alkaline and rich in roots, near trees as well as rivers and streams, about 5 to 30 cm underground. The ground should be moist or wet and well lit.
How are truffles harvested?
When the dog has found a truffle, the truffle collector exposes the ground with a small hoe or a small truffle spade. Once the truffle has been removed, the ground is filled and levelled again, so as not to upset the ecosystem and ensure that more truffles flourish.
Read our blog post ‘Truffle gathering in Piedmont’!
How much does a good truffle cost?
People who buy truffles are generally gourmets and foodies who are prepared to pay to try the ultimate delights. Truffles, like the black summer truffles, which can be found all over Europe, usually cost about 10 EUR per ounce (28.3 g), but can be a little more expensive depending on the quality on the truffle market. The most expensive black truffles in the world, the Perigord truffles, cost between 35 and 50 EUR per ounce, and the most precious white winter truffles from Alba are between 130 and 200 EUR per ounce.
How much does 1 kg of truffles cost?
Black summer truffles sell for between 200 and 400 EUR per kilo, while the more valuable black winter truffles from the Perigord range between 1500 and 2000 EUR per kilo. The other winter truffles (Tuber brumale) are around 800 and 1800 EUR. If you want to buy a kilogram of white Alba truffle, this means that you will often spend at least 5000 EUR on this precious product. Usually even more.
Why are truffles so expensive?
- Hunting for truffles is a time-consuming and time-consuming task.
- Collectors and the truffle dog need to be trained.
- The product spoils quickly and can only be harvested at certain times of the year.
- There are only a few areas in the world where high-quality truffles grow.
- Demand from restaurants around the world is very high.
Storage: How long does a fresh truffle last?
Fresh truffle is best enjoyed as soon as you get your hands on it. But if you need to buy fresh, whole truffles, you can keep them for a while for later use. Considering how precious fresh truffles are (especially Italian white Alba truffles), it’s worth storing them properly.
There are various methods used by chefs, and there is some controversy in the culinary scene over which method is best.
Truffles can be stored in the fridge like fresh mushrooms. Since the fridge is a damp environment, it is important to wrap the truffles in unbleached paper towels to absorb the moisture. Once you have received your truffles, remove them from their packaging. Dab the truffles dry if condensation has formed during shipping. Roll up the truffles in a paper towel and place them in the fridge. Some truffle lovers also use a cloth bag.
Keep the truffles in your fridge without closing them: the truffles need to be able to breathe. Check the paper towel regularly and replace it if you notice it’s moist.
What do white and black truffles taste like?
Black truffles:
- Saved over eggs stirred in butter
- Pasta in cream or butter sauces and in traditional risottos
- Truffle slices can be garnished with a white fish fillet.
- Can be made with mature mountain or hard cheese chevre
- For beef or veal, pork, bacon, pancetta, game
White truffles:
- They lose their flavour and aroma when cooked or heated. White truffles are best when raw.
- Cut thinly sliced or shaved over risotto, pasta, eggs, salads and serve in delicate sauces.
- Meat and cheese: Veal (especially tartar), rabbit, prosciutto and Italian hard cheese
How much truffle per person goes with pasta?
For a small portion or appetiser, 5 g is sufficient. You can also use up to 15 g for pasta as a main course.
Pairs truffle recipes with wine
Aged wines with earthy and spicy notes go well with the spicy taste of truffles. With red meat with truffle we recommend matured Barolo or Barbaresco from Piedmont. A truffle risotto or truffle pasta requires stronger, creamier wines, such as a slightly matured Chardonnay with barrique or a vigorously matured Riesling or arneis from Piedmont.
Dolcetto d’Alba or Barbera d’Alba go very well with a truffle. Generally avoid light or fruity white and red wines, such as Pinot Grigio, Shiraz, Zinfandel or Primitivo. You can quickly and easily buy the best truffles from us.