Truffles are the base of black truffle sea salt and they have a unique taste that can be described as being earthy, licorice-like, and spicy. Truffles originated in France and are a type of fungus with an extremely difficult life cycle and usually consists of over 100 different species. If you've never heard of them, read on for more info about truffles.
Truffles are created from the same species of fungi that produce caviar. Some of the more popular varieties include black truffle salt, white truffle salt, and black truffle oil. Each type of truffle has its own taste and process to produce the highest quality truffles.
Black Truffle Salt: The black variety of truffles is an exceptionally rare and very expensive version. It is made from the outer shell of the black truffle and has a really rich and oily taste. While it does come from the same species of fungus as caviar, it takes a very long time to mature and therefore cannot be mass-produced. While this type of truffle is considered to be of higher quality, it is also considered to be more expensive. It is usually sold in specialty shops and only found in restaurants or specialty shops that have been selling truffles for years.
White Truffle Salt: This is a very common variety that you'll find in most grocery stores. It is similar to the black variety in that it is the outer shell of the truffle. It is not as pricey, however, because it is much easier to grow and therefore can be mass-produced much faster than the black variety. However, it doesn't compare to the flavor of the black variety.
Black Truffle Oil: The black variety of truffle is the most prized and sought after by chefs and connoisseurs of the culinary arts. The black truffle oil is made using a technique that involves filtering the interior of the black truffle, then cooling it, and running it through a centrifuge. After filtering it several times, the oil is ready to be used as a cooking additive or as a topping for food items.
Black Truffle Oil: The black truffle salt and black truffle oil are derived from the inner shell of the truffle. This is one of the rarest types of salt and truffle oil on the market. It is used mostly in preparing items such as caviar, appetizers, and oysters.
Truffle Salt: The term "truffle salt" refers to a product made from the dried skins of truffles. Truffles are eaten primarily as a garnish for food. They are also used in making caviar, and caviar is the trade name for truffles.
Caviar: The caviar is a type of black truffle sea salt that is harvested for its small and colorful black specks. It can be shaped into chocolates, candies, or dried in the sun and then ground up into a powder. Caviar is one of the most expensive types of truffles.
Truffle Oil: The black truffle oil is extracted from the husk. Truffles are picked and harvested before the inner shell is consumed. It is available for all types of culinary uses.
Cavirosi: The caviar is prepared from the larger, black species of truffles that are cultivated in cool climates like in France and Italy. Most caviar today is made with white truffles because they are the ones that are least expensive and less time consuming to grow. Like other culinary dishes, caviar can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on how it is prepared.
Caviar is often prepared from the white and black varieties of truffles. The white variety is thought to have more health benefits than the black variety, but it is more expensive to purchase.
They are really good food for the eyes, so be sure to take advantage of it while you can. Since the majority of us have to spend quite a bit of money on food, let's be prepared to splurge when we can.