What is a Truffle?
A truffle is a type of fungus that grows underground, forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain trees. Unlike mushrooms, which are the fruiting bodies of fungi that appear above ground, truffles develop beneath the soil. Most people don’t realise that the bulk of the fungus is actually composed of mycelium, a network of thread-like structures that permeates the soil. The truffle itself is merely the fruiting body, which releases spores for reproduction. Truffles have evolved to produce a distinctive aroma to attract animals that dig them up and eat them, aiding in the dispersal of their spores. This suggests to us that in the coldest truffle growing areas, truffles may produce stronger smells to ensure they are found by animals even in harsh conditions.
The Black Winter Truffle (Tuber melanosporum)
At our farm, we cultivate the esteemed Tuber melanosporum, commonly known as the black winter, or Pèrigord, truffle. This truffle is prized for its intense flavour and aromatic qualities. Naturally occurring in Europe, particularly in regions of France and Spain, it has been cultivated in Australia since the 1990s. Black winter truffles are recognised by their dark, rough exterior and marbled black-and-white interior. Their rich, earthy aroma and complex flavour make them a sought-after delicacy in gourmet cuisine.
Cultivating Truffles in Australia
Growing truffles in Australia requires meticulous soil management, particularly adjusting the soil pH to around 7.9 to 8.3. In the NSW southern tablelands, the soil pH typically ranges from 4 to 5.5, but for truffle cultivation it needs to be carefully adjusted, often by adding large quantities of lime. Truffles form a symbiotic relationship with specific host trees, such as oak and hazelnut. These trees provide carbohydrates to the fungus, and in return, the fungus provides elements from the soil that are otherwise locked out for the tree because of the high soil pH. The truffle fungus colonises the tree roots, exchanging nutrients in a mutually beneficial relationship. Successful cultivation demands careful monitoring of soil conditions, tree health, and environmental factors.
Harvesting and Preparing Truffles
How do we find the truffles if they are underground? This is a common question, and the answer is both fascinating and practical. While many people ask if we use pigs to find truffles, to our knowledge, no one in Australia does that—primarily because pigs love to eat truffles. Instead, we use specially trained dogs. These dogs are led along the rows of trees and stop to indicate where a truffle is. They are then rewarded with food. After locating them, we carefully dig up the truffles, wash them, and grade them. If you notice a small nick in a truffle, it’s simply us checking for ripeness—it doesn’t affect the grade.
Beware of Imitations
It’s important to be aware that not all products labelled as “truffle” contain genuine truffles. Many commercially available truffle oils, for instance, are flavoured with synthetic compounds that mimic the aroma of truffles rather than actual truffle extracts. These products often use cheaper truffles or artificial flavours to create a semblance of the real thing, but they lack the depth and authenticity of true truffle products. Nothing beats the flavour and aroma of one of our fresh black winter truffles.
How to Cook with Truffles
When cooking with your beautiful fresh truffle, it is crucial to let their unique flavour shine. Avoid using strong flavours like garlic and onion, which can overpower the truffle’s more delicate aroma. Instead, incorporate truffle into creamy dishes such as pasta, scrambled eggs, risottos, or mashed potatoes. Truffle is best enjoyed warm, allowing the aroma to be fully released. Although often pictured thinly sliced perched on the top of various dishes, to maximise the flavour, it should also be stirred through the dish just before serving.
Storing Truffles
Truffles need to be stored properly to maintain their quality and flavour. Keep them in the fridge in a sealed container, and they are best used within a week of purchase. Wrap them in a paper towel to absorb any moisture, and change every day. Proper storage ensures that the truffles remain fresh and aromatic, ready to elevate your culinary creations.
A Luxurious yet Accessible Treat
Though admittedly truffles are an exclusive delicacy, a little goes a long way. Typically, you only need about 3-5 grams of truffle per person. For example, if you’re hosting a dinner for six, you would purchase about 30 grams of truffle. When you consider the unique culinary experience truffles provide, they are comparable to buying a fine bottle of wine or champagne for a special occasion.
Embrace the Seasonality
Truffles have a specific growing season, and the anticipation for fresh truffles each year is much like the excitement for cherry season at Christmas in Australia. We encourage our VIP members to look forward to the arrival of truffle season with the same enthusiasm. Being part of our truffle farm community means you get to experience the joy and anticipation of each new harvest, sharing in the delights of this seasonal treasure.
