Truffle enthusiasts, buckle up—white truffle (tuber magnatum) season is back in full swing! If you haven't indulged in your white truffle fix yet, now's the prime moment to savor the queen of truffles. In this post, we're dishing out the real deal on these aromatic wonders—when they make their grand entrance, the various regions they hail from, and the insider tips you need when scouting your local truffle importer. Ready to dive into the truffle adventure? Let's get this flavor-packed journey on the road! 🍄👑
Where are white truffle from?
Let's start by clarifying the name of these sought-after goodies. This post focuses on the tuber magnatum truffle, commonly referred to as the Alba truffle, the Alba white truffle, the White truffle, or the Winter white truffle. In culinary circles, it's widely acknowledged (by most) as the most coveted among all edible truffles. Its price compared to all other truffle tells that story loudly.
Where does it live? well its like a globetrotter but originally linked to the charming town of Alba in Italy's Piedmont region. Now, take a peek at the map below, and surprise! You'll actually find this delicacy popping up all over Italy, from Tuscany to Lazio, Le Marche, and Emilia Romagna. And hold onto your taste buds because it doesn't stop there—Tuber magnatum is also kicking back on the Istrian peninsula, Croatia's secret truffle hideaway!
Now, when it comes to opinions on truffles from these different spots, it's a bit like discussing pizza toppings. Some swear there's a discernible difference, with die-hard fans rooting for truffle from Alba. We here at Fish River Truffle won't play favorites, but if you're a truffle aficionado, this journey might just be your cup of truffle-infused tea. Got a strong opinion on this flavorful debate? Spill the truffle beans—we're all ears and hungry for your thoughts! 🍄✨ Drop us a line in the comments below if you dare.
What is the white truffle season?
Time to mark your calendars! The tuber magnatum season kicks off fashionably late in October and takes a bow by early December. Picture this: the truffle aroma, like a rising star, starts off with a light and breezy entrance, gains momentum in the middle act, and exits the stage with a grand finale. So, if you peek at your seasonal clock right now, guess what? It's the golden period—these next few weeks are the absolute sweet spot to dive headfirst into the enchanting world of winter whites. 🍄✨
Winter white truffle prices.
For the low down on European prices we use several sources with one of the best here. As for what that converts to here in Australia, you need add a bit more to cover importing, taxes and any number of expences to get them here. From our conversations over the last few days prices ranged from $7.50/g to as high as $11/g.
How is the white truffle season going in Italy at the moment?
In a word, not so good (I know, that's three words). Hunters, at least in the early part of the season, found they had better success actually moving their dogs to Croatia to make their money rather than stay in Italy. Which means, at least in the early part of the season, most of the truffle avaliable was not from Alba, or Italy, but from Croatia.
Truffle supply is now just picking up from Italy.
Unlocking the secrets to scoring the crème de la crème alba white truffle from your importer!
Here, we've got the scoop on the key questions to grill your white truffle importer.
When did these truffles hit the hunting grounds?
Tuber magnatum plays hard to get with an even shorter shelf life than its black winter truffle cousin, tuber melanosporum (the one we often find down under in Australia). Think a mere 9 days!
Where do these truffles call home?
Quick tip: Let their price tag be your trusty compass this year, especially with the pricier picks likely hailing from the truffle treasure trove of Italy. But hey, never assume – always shoot this question over to your importer.
Can I give them a sniff test?
Trust your nose—it's the ultimate judge of how these aromatic wonders will perform on your plate.
Is a hands-on inspection allowed?
Grab a hold of these culinary gems; they should feel firm and pack a weighty punch for their size. It's the tactile test for truffle excellence! 🍄✨
Where can I get winter white truffle in Australia?
These guys are our fav importers but there are many others.
Oh and if you do contact them, mention we sent you and I am sure they will do a good price for you.
Name | State | Phone |
Melbourne | 0405 424 860 | |
Sydney | 02 9363 0775 | |
Sydney | 02 9518 9988 | |
Truffles of Australia (on instagram) | Brisbane | 0421 077 705 |
Embark on a journey with this delectable white truffle recipe.
As the golden rule persists, simplicity is key, and bear in mind that whatever you create, it's all about letting the truffle shine.
Behold this exquisite recipe we've uncovered, ticking all the boxes for an unrivaled white truffle experience. Let's dive in! 🍽️✨
Tagliolini with white truffle
Ingredients
360 g tagliolini you can also use tagliatelle or spaghetti
80 g butter
60 g parmesan grated
1 white truffle 2-3 ounces/ 55-85 grms
salt for cooking pasta
black pepper to taste
Instructions
Put a pan of water on to boil. Add salt when it starts to boil and bring to the boil again. Cook the tagliolini as per the instructions on the packet until they are 'al dente'. Save some of the cooking water before draining.
In the meantime wipe the truffle with a damp cloth to remove any soil particles and grate half of it.
Melt the butter in a large frying pan until it foams.
Add the grated truffle to the butter and 1 or 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water.
Add the cooked pasta to the butter, sprinkle with some grated Parmesan and cook over a gentle heat for a minute whilst stirring the pasta to coat it with the sauce.
Divide the pasta among 4 warmed plates, sprinkle a little more Parmesan onto the pasta and finally shave the remaining truffle over the top of the dish.
Serve immediately. Buon appetito!
This recipe was sourced from The Pasta Project website. Link to the full recipe here.
And that's a wrap. Whether you're a seasoned truffle enthusiast or just starting your truffle journey, remember that the magic lies in simplicity. From the mysterious woods to your plate, white truffles are not merely ingredients; they are culinary poetry. As you embark on your truffle-infused adventures this summer, may each dish be a celebration of the extraordinary and a toast to the joy of savoring life's exquisite flavors. Until our next truffle rendezvous, happy cooking and bon appétit everyone.🍄🌟