Winter Black Truffle French Wine Dinner
27 January 2011
French Winter Black Truffles
The French black truffle is a fungus that primarily grows in southern France, but it is also found in several other countries including Australia, the United States and Spain. In the wild, the black truffle can be found in forests on the roots of oak trees. This makes them hard to find, because they are not only black in color, but have to be searched for under the earth’s surface.
Périgord Truffles, or Winter Black Truffles, are the most desirable variety of truffles from France. The growing period is from November to March, but benefiting from a long growing season, this French variety of truffle can be enjoyed almost throughout the year. That is why these special mushrooms typical from the South-West regions of France are now the best known and most widely used variety of truffles.
Generally speaking, in France, truffles used to be detected by pigs that have been especially trained to find these rare mushrooms but dogs more commonly used nowadays. In Périgord and the other neighbouring regions of France, they like to mention another intriguing - yet funny - method of finding truffles: observing where the “truffle fly” lays its eggs. It is believed that these flies choose only the finest truffle in which to do this!
Sometimes called “black diamonds” and especially appreciated by food lovers this truffle is known for its taste and aroma, but it is also healthy. It contains high amounts of fiber and vitamins, as well as a few minerals. It should be used fresh and before preparing it is important to inspect French black truffle for signs of decay. The truffle should have an uneven surface, dark brown to black coloring and the interior should be dark with white veins.
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The Wines
