A truffle happens to be rare as well as the delicious culinary treat that is highly sought after throughout the world.
Table of Contents
What is Truffle?
Truffles are rather an underground mushroom from the Tuber genus, many of which are extremely valuable for their potent flavor and culinary applications. No doubt, not everyone does enjoy mushrooms, truffles that have a unique and delectable taste and are particularly well represented in French cuisine. Most truffle varieties do form a symbiotic relationship with certain types of trees, ranging from oak as well as hazelnut to pecan and beech trees.
Truffles happen to be the most expensive foods in the world, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars per kilogram.
Truffles command high prices as they do not keep well for very long after they are dug up, and they are also difficult to cultivate.
Specially trained dogs or pigs often must be made use of to sniff out the truffles underground. According to a study conducted in Italy by Antonietta Mello et al., the growing season for these mushrooms is indeed relatively short – only 3-4 months in length – which may, in fact, explain the high price tag. Some of the various types of truffle do include black truffles, garlic truffles, summer truffles, and white truffles, the last being the most prized and expensive of all.
Truffle Nutrition
These mushrooms are very nutritious and do offer dietary fiber, as well as protein, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. There is, in fact, no fat and it has a low level of carbohydrates. Vitamin D is also found in these mushrooms. However, since such a small amount of these mushrooms are made use of in most dishes, they are not commonly eaten for their nutritional value or density.
Health Benefits of Truffle
There are indeed several various health benefits associated with eating truffles, including lowering cholesterol and preventing premature aging, among others.
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Slow down the aging process
- Protect the liver from atherosclerosis as well as cardiovascular disease
- Aid the immune system with anti-microbial properties
- Having anti-cancer properties
- Healthy meat alternative for non-meat eaters
- Treat trachoma and other eye infections
While the antioxidant, as well as antimicrobial properties of truffles, have been researched, further studies can also help to discover the extent of health benefits that these delicious, exotic mushrooms can offer. Also, while truffles are in folklore as an aphrodisiac, there is no scientific evidence for the same.
How to Use?
There are many wonderful ways to use truffles, such as:
- Creating truffle oil as an unforgettable drizzle or topping
- Distilling one’s own vodka
- Making butter, honey, and various other sauces
- Pairing it with butter and cheese sauces
On account of exorbitant price truffles are sparingly made use of. The potent flavor is enough to overpower a dish when it is indeed used in excess.