Fresh Frozen Wild Black Truffles
The black truffle, also known as the “Black Diamond of Cuisine” is a fungus that is highly valued for its smooth texture, pungent aroma, and musty earthy flavor.
These qualities have made it wildly popular within the culinary world. This delicacy will turn any ordinary meal into a royal feast.
While most commonly found in France, Italy, and Spain, our black truffles grow wild in our backyard, the Great Pacific Northwest, and they are every bit as delicious and aromatic as those found in Europe.
We freeze these as soon as we receive them, and they are shipped frozen straight to your door. We recommend that you keep them frozen until ready to use, in order to maintain their optimum flavor and texture.
These plants are a type of mushroom that grows beneath the ground as an opportunistic fungus on the roots of certain types of trees, mostly Douglas firs. It takes a long time for a truffle to reach the point at which it can actually be harvested, but when it does, it continues to produce “fruit” every year or so thereafter. These are then commercially collected, usually assisted by a specially trained “truffle dog”. Mature fruiting bodies can be dug up mostly during winter, but the season can extend from September through April.
Culinary Qualities of our Wild Black Truffles:
Distinctive Aroma and Flavor: most often described as earthy, nutty, and slightly fruity. Their strong flavor adds depth to dishes.
Appearance: These truffles typically have a round to irregular shape with a dark brown to black exterior. The interior flesh ranges from dark brown to pale yellow, with marbling similar to other truffle species.
Firm Texture: Since our truffles are fresh frozen, and shipped to you the same way, they have the optimum smooth but firm texture.
Fresh frozen wild black truffles offer several nutritional benefits.
While they are not considered substantial sources of macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates, or fat, they do provide various vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Here are some of the nutritional and health benefits of fresh frozen wild black truffles:
Vitamins: Truffles contain vitamins such as vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function. They also contain several important B vitamins, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which play essential roles in energy metabolism and overall health. In addition, truffles also provide smaller amounts of vitamins A, D and K.
Minerals: Wild black truffles are rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, selenium, manganese, calcium, iron, and zinc. These minerals are important for various physiological functions, including muscle function, bone health, and immune function.
Complete Protein: Black truffles provide a complete protein: a protein that includes all of the nine essential amino acids your body needs. These offer a wide range of health benefits including support for muscle health, immune function, hormone regulation, weight management, blood sugar control, and brain health.
Dietary Fiber: Truffles provide healthy dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and may reduce the risk of certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Antioxidants: Fresh frozen wild black truffles contain antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress, and protect cells from damage caused by environmental toxins and aging.
Phytonutrients: Wild black truffles contain phytonutrients, including terpenes and other bioactive compounds, which may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties. These phytonutrients contribute to the overall health-promoting effects of truffles.
Health Benefits
Anti-Cancer Properties: Recent studies suggest that truffles may possess powerful anti-cancer properties. For example, one test-tube study showed that compounds extracted from different types of truffles helped block the growth of liver, lung, colon and breast tumor cells. Another test-tube study found that extracts from both black and white species exhibited anticancer effects on cervical, breast and colon cancer cells.
Protects Heart Health: Black truffles contain nutrients like potassium, which is important for heart health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and relaxing blood vessel walls. Including potassium-rich foods like black truffles in the diet may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels: Black truffles effectively reduce triglyceride, and harmful (LDL) cholesterol levels. The increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL) thus show hypolipidemic effects. It also prevents or relieves inflammation of the kidney thus treating kidney disease.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Black truffles contain bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as black truffles, may help reduce inflammation and associated health risks.
Improved Mood and Mental Health: The aroma of black truffles is believed to have mood-enhancing properties. Studies have shown that certain aroma compounds found in truffles may have anxiety-reducing and antidepressant effects. Inhaling the aroma of black truffles may help promote feelings of relaxation, well-being, and mental clarity.
Weight Control: Truffles are relatively low in calories, making them a flavorful addition to dishes without significantly increasing calorie intake. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to manage their weight or calorie intake while still enjoying gourmet cuisine.
Skin Care: Black truffles have been recently incorporated into skin care products for those who are looking for new ways to make themselves look younger. They are known for providing a luxurious way to fight off wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Enjoying Your Wild Black Truffles
Black truffles are highly prized in gourmet cuisine and are often used sparingly to add depth and complexity to dishes. Here are some common ways they are consumed:
Shaved or Grated: Fresh black truffles are often shaved or grated thinly over dishes like pasta, risotto, scrambled eggs, potato dishes, soups, or salads to impart their intense flavor.
These thin shavings can also be placed under the skin of a chicken, turkey, duck, or other game bird before roasting.
You can also grate truffles into wine, butter, cheese or cream-based sauces.
Infused: Truffle-infused oils, butters, or salts are popular ways to incorporate the flavor of black truffles into dishes without using the fresh truffles themselves, giving them a tasty twist.
As a Garnish: Whole or sliced black truffles are sometimes used as a garnish for dishes like meat or fish, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Resources Used For NWWF Blog #23: Fresh Frozen Wild Black Truffles
https://foodthesis.com/what-is-black-truffle-health-benefits-of-black-truffle/
https://www.organicfacts.net/truffle.html
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-truffles
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/truffles#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7
https://www.dartagnan.com/black-truffles-recipes-and-uses.html