Black truffles are produced by the Tuber family of fungi, which includes several different sub-species. A truffle is essentially the flowering body of a single ascomyctetically living fungus, mainly one of the classifications of the genus Asmodium. Additionally, several other genera of fungi also are classified as black truffles such as Geopora, Ptychophyllum, Fuscus, Leucatinium, and a hundred others.
They are small, black, succulent mushrooms that can be found in France, Switzerland, and Canada. Historically, the Tuber family of fungi were used for food and medicine in these locations and more recently they have gained popularity in making everything from sausage to candy and even medicine. Most commonly, they are dried and smoked. There is a growing demand for black truffle sea salt online and it is easy to see why.
Truffles have been enjoyed for centuries. They were a luxury food in early Europe and were considered a status symbol as the edible version of Swiss cheese. While Swiss cheese was not considered to be quite the same as black truffle salt today, they were in fact a close cousin as they both had as much if not more resemblance to cheese. There was even a time when truffles were considered to be the equivalent of French sausages. Today, they are a delicious and unique treat that people love to enjoy on a daily basis.
Today, black truffle salt is harvested from the bark of the shrub Asparagus racemosus. The root was stripped and the outer skin discarded, leaving a hard gray colored mass that has a slight color of brown. The length of this shell varies, however, depending on the size of the tree and the amount of shade and sun exposure it gets. It is harvested by clipping a few roots near the base of the tree. This is a time-consuming process that also exposes the black truffle salt to air and moisture, which causes it to lose its original flavor.
Another way to get an authentic Italian black truffle salt is to buy it in its whole form. True Italian dry is harvested from the earthy outer layer of the tree. There are several companies that sell it this way and the harvesting and drying are what makes each batch distinctive. The flavor of each piece is very distinctive and often depends on the soil that it was grown in. California, New York, and France all specialize in this earthy product.
You can use it to season many of your favorite Italian dishes. Pair it with pasta sauce, fish and chips, or a delicious breakfast dish. Add it to espresso shots or mix it in with hot teas. In fact, the earthiness of this Italian balsamic vinegar compliments any drink perfectly, whether it's a fruit juice tea, or coffee drink. Many people like to put a balsamic glaze on desserts such as pies and fruit tarts. If you haven't tried the white truffle finishing salt, try one next time.
One of the great things about this Italian product is that you can find it for a very reasonable price. Like many Italian products, it is a very popular collector's item. Although it costs more than the "regular" version, it is considered better for its uniqueness. If you go to any specialty store that specializes in food and kitchen accessories, you will find this salt displayed on the shelves. Because it is so highly desired by chefs, many have even begun to refer to it as the "gourmet sea salt."
This earthy product is not just for Italian food anymore. It pairs very well with the classic favorites you know and loves. It pairs well with pasta, vegetables, fish, and chips and even makes a delicious addition to your coffee beans. For the health-conscious crowd, try experimenting with the Italian black truffles to add a hint of iodine to your meal. Iced tea is a favorite when paired with this salty treat.
