People are used to enjoying truffles in their favorite restaurants, but this year many will prepare the delicacy at home as outdoor dining remains limited. If this is your first time cooking with truffles, not to worry: Eataly's GM Dino Borri, who happens to be from the area of Le Langhe where the best white truffles are found, spoke to La Cucina Italiana on an IG Live event and answered all your questions.
Here are some of his tips and advice on all you need to know about buying, storing, and cooking truffles.
On differences between white and black truffles
White Truffles are found in the northern and central parts of Italy, in particular in the area of the Langhe and Alba region in Piedmont. They are known as the Tartufo Bianco di Alba which has a protected denomination. They have a specific seasonality, from the end of September until Christmas, and sometimes January. Black truffles are more common and can be found not only in Italy but in many other places around the world, such as France and even the United States. They also have different seasons throughout the year, which is why the white truffles are considered more precious and refined and cost more. Their quality and smell are completely different from black truffles.
How to buy truffles
They must be very fresh. At Eataly, we receive truffles daily and our experts know how to pick them. They smell them, touch them, and make sure they are not too spongy. But if you are not an expert, the best is to rely on a good retailer that knows how to choose them. In general, the big truffles are the best and have a stronger smell.
How to store them
Consume the fresh truffles as early as possible after purchasing them. However, you can store a truffle for up to 15 days: just fold it in a paper towel, put it in a sealed jar, and store it in the fridge. Some people might store it in rice, but it should be for a much shorter time, as it can dry out the truffle so it’s not recommended. Never freeze it!
Best way to enjoy it
It is delicious on top of carne cruda, such as a beef tartare, dressed with salt, pepper and olive oil, and a raw quail egg. Truffles are in fact great with eggs, even a simple fried sunny side up egg with shaved truffles is wonderful. You can of course have it with dry or fresh pasta, such as tajarin, the traditional tagliolini from the Langhe region made with a lot of eggs (30 eggs for one kg of flour!). Just add some butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and shaved truffles. For a stronger taste, you can add into the pasta some local cheeses from Piemonte such as Robiola Roccaverano or Formaggio di Bra.
How to cook them
Never cook the truffles. Slice the white truffles very thinly to finish your plated dishes. Slice to taste, from 5 to 10 grams for each portion. Always use the shaver, not the grater. You can however use the cheese grater with black truffles.
On truffle based products
Try always to use fresh white truffles when they are in season. Truffle condiments, such as oil, butter, salt, or sauces, are ideal year-round when the fresh product is not available, just make sure they are made with the real ingredient.
Wine pairing
Pair it with a strong-bodied wine, as white truffles are considered a winter product and are often consumed with rich foods such as meat and eggs. Barolo, made with Nebbiolo grapes from Piemonte, makes a perfect pairing with truffles, but they can also be enjoyed with a nice Sagrantino from Umbria, also known for its truffles, or a Tuscan Sangiovese or Brunello.
Good news: Eataly's Truffle Week!
It’s Truffle Week at Eataly, and they have a special surprise in store. On November 24 and 25, the two days before Thanksgiving, they will have a unique event selling their most exquisite truffles variety, Tartufo Bianco di Alba, almost at cost. You can order them from anywhere in the US and Canada, they will ship them straight to your door, and you will be able to celebrate the first Holiday of the season in style.