Tartufi, Truffe, Truffles - What drives our gastronomic love for this fragrant fruity tuber?

Nicole Hofstein
Jul 8, 2015
2 min read

Rare. Seasonal. Fruity. Pungent - some of the words that describe the enamouring capabilities of the Truffle (Tuber Melanosporum)

No matter the region, no matter the climate - there are always certain conditions perfect for the fruiting bodies to grow and exude a scent reminiscent of wet earth, dried fruit, strawberries and even a hint of cocoa - a definitively complex wonderfully smelling fungi.

In fact, the most avid truffle connoiseur is transformed into a kid at a candy store - mesmerised by the weight, texture and exquisite aroma of the truffle!

Contrary to belief, truffles used to be widely available in the past until 1945, where truffle production dropped due to truffle groves being unproductive.

Truffles also symbiotically grow with hazelnut trees, oak, poplar and beech tree roots.

But what makes our mind & palate fall in love with the truffle?

There are several ways to answer this - Let's start off with Truffle Nutrition!

1) The "Bliss" molecule

Ever seen a pig or dog go wild when it comes to truffle hunting? All for good reason - as animated as can be, they vigorously sniff searching for the crowned jewel - all because of one psychoactive ingredient that exudes from the fruiting bodies called "anandamide". Heard it before? That's because the body naturally makes these mood-enhancing chemicals to bring us internal euphoria!

2) Valuable source of fibre, low in fat

Are you watching your calories? Well don't worry as only 100g of fresh winter black truffle has 25 calories of food energy! 100g brings 6.5g of fibre and 5.6g of protein.

3) Antioxidant and mineral-rich

100g of fresh winter black truffle contain 2g of minerals consisting of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chloride & iron. High in melanin, flavonoids, sulphur compounds and other aromatic compounds that act as antioxidants.

Australia, particularly the Western & Southern regions are reknown for growing the best seasonal truffles at affordable prices below the international market without compensating for high quality & rich aroma. You'd have to taste it to believe the intensity of their products and the variety they have to offer, from truffle salsa, to truffle mustard, truffle aioli mayyonaise, organic black truffle oil in E.V.O.O, black truffle oil & truffle honey!

Great Southern Truffle from Western Australia grow & mature Black Winter Truffles from their nutrient-rich soils. To get your hands on the season's best fresh truffles, contact Silco International Hong Kong at finefood@silco.com.hk or call +852 2764 3632 to place orders!

To learn more about Great Southern Truffle check out the video below