THE TRUFFLE
Tuber Magnatum Pico, commonly known as the white truffle, is the most valuable and coveted truffle species in the world.
Renowned for its intense aroma and unmistakable flavor, this underground mushroom is considered the “diamond of the kitchen.”
Let's now look at the unique characteristics that make Tuber Magnatum Pico so special, from its growth to its culinary applications, discovering why it is so sought after and how to bring its luxurious aroma into your kitchens.
Tuber Magnatum Pico is extremely rare and expensive for several reasons:
- Specific soils: Needs soft, moist, calcium-rich and very aerated soils;
- Unculturable: It grows only in specific natural conditions;
- Short seasonality: It can only be found for a few months of the year;
- Difficulty of harvesting: Requires experienced searchers (trifolao) and trained dogs.
The search for Tuber Magnatum Pico is an ancient art, handed down from generation to generation:
- Trifolao: Truffle seekers, called “trifolao” in Piedmont, jealously guard the “maps” of their treasures;
- Nocturnal search: The search takes place only at night, when the truffle aroma is most intense;
- Trained dogs: Essential for locating truffles, even meters deep.
In Italy, finding soils that perfectly meet the parameters necessary for the growth of Tuber Magnatum Pico is not easy. The most vocated regions are:
- Piedmont: The south of the region, particularly the Alba area, which is world famous precisely because of the presence of this Truffle;
- Umbria: Some areas present all the ideal conditions for its growth;
- Tuscany: Some areas are known for the production of high quality white truffles;
- Marche: The Acqualagna area is particularly renowned.
Each year, the city of Alba hosts the world-famous White Truffle Fair, an event that attracts fans from all over the world, celebrating this precious mushroom and the gastronomic tradition that surrounds it.
Tuber Magnatum Pico possesses one of the most unique aroma profiles in the world:
- Experts have identified more than 120 distinct aromas;
- The aroma is intense, with notes ranging from garlic to cheese.
Tuber Magnatum Pico is versatile in cooking and can elevate even the simplest dishes:
- White truffle pasta;
- Truffle Risotto;
- Truffle eggs;
- Meat carpaccio with white truffle shavings.
- Use a truffle slicer to obtain very thin slices;
- Add the truffle at the end of cooking so as to preserve its aroma;
- Pair it with simple dishes to enhance its flavor.
To enjoy the aroma of white truffles all year round, LA RUSTICHELLA offers a range of high-quality products including:
White Truffle Olive Oil: With 5% White Truffle (Tuber Albidum Pico), perfect for dressing pasta or salads;
White Truffle Butter: Contains 5% White Truffle (Tuber Albidum Pico), perfect for crostini or pasta
White Truffle Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil: A unique combination for a luxurious touch.
Its rarity, difficulty of finding it, short seasonality and impossibility of cultivation make it extremely valuable.
It is important to wrap it in paper towels and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, changing the paper every day. It should also be consumed within 5-7 days.
White truffle has a more intense and complex aroma; it is also rarer and more expensive than black truffle.
White truffles are mainly used in simple dishes such as pasta, risotto, eggs and carpaccio, which allow its unique aroma to be best enhanced.
No, all attempts at cultivation have yielded disappointing results. It grows only under very specific natural conditions.
Tuber Magnatum Pico represents the pinnacle of luxury gastronomy. Its rarity, combined with its unique aroma and short seasonality, makes it a very special ingredient.
Whether enjoying a restaurant dish topped with fresh white truffles or using premium truffle products such as those offered at LA RUSTICHELLA, the Tuber Magnatum Pico experience is always an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Explore our range of white truffle products and discover how to transform your dishes into gourmet creations.
From our flavored oil to our truffle balsamic vinegar, we offer affordable ways to enjoy the luxurious aroma of Tuber Magnatum Pico year-round.
Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your cuisine with a touch of authentic Italian luxury!
