Re: Truffles: A few basics



In general, good information.

Did you know the first truffles in cooking 2000 years ago did not come
from Europe but likely arrived from northern Africa. These were the
Terfezia (especially Terfezia arenaria) which Plato, Socrates and
others were writing about. Apparently European truffle species (Tuber
species) were still unknown then.

Europeans typically equate quality truffles with stronger, even
overpowering aromas. But these are not for everyone. To me, Tuber
magnatum (Italian White truffle) fresh smells of salt water and urea.
Think of a pasture near a bay. Oddly the same truffle put in truffled
oil is, to me, magnificent. A tiny droplet on a French fry changes the
commonplace into a culinary experience which I highly recommend.

More species of truffle are found in North America than Europe.

Many more truffle species are found in Australia than in North America.
Often these species are found growing on the sides of trees in
extremely wet conditions instead of underground.

Daniel B. Wheeler
www.oregonwhitetruffles.com
 
Daniel B. Wheeler (COUGH COUGH spammed COUGH):
> Did you know the first truffles in cooking 2000 years ago did not come
> from Europe but likely arrived from northern Africa.


<hack, snip>

> Oddly the same truffle put in truffled
> oil is, to me, magnificent. A tiny droplet on a French fry changes the
> commonplace into a culinary experience which I highly recommend.


Truffle oil on french fries? You jest.

Would that be McDonald's or Wendy's fries, then?

<sorry Hoss, but we dotes on Fry Sauce in these parts!>
 
What an interested screen name! Sounds like you're interested in
different fungi than I am.

As for truffle oil on French fries, no, I'm not jesting.

This is actually part of the menu at a rather pricey movie theatre in
Vancouver, WA that just opened up. And no, I'm neither making this up
nor selling them truffle oil. But Cinematopia does offer dining with
their movies... at a price.

Daniel B. Wheeler
www.oregonwhitetruffles.com