1. Tuber melanosporum, Perigord , the black winter
truffle.
About half of the world's species of
The Black Truffle
edible mushrooms grow in a symbiotic relationship
on the roots a number of trees. These are mycorrhizal mushrooms and they some of the world's most
expensive foods. A few of them have established worldwide markets measured in millions of dollars while
others are only known locally.
Probably the best known mycorrhizal mushroom is the The Black Truffle ( Périgord black truffle, Tuber
melanosporum, the black winter truffle ). This type of mushroom is found in the forests thru out different
areas of Spain, southern France, and down to central Italy. This truffle is found on the roots of trees from the
oak family - the holm oak, downy oak or the hazel nut tree. Like all truffles, the black winter truffle produces
its fruiting body underground. Usually, truffles are hunted with the aid of a good truffle hunting dog. The
fruiting body of a black truffle is roundish and covered with small diamond-shaped markings. They could be
compared somewhat to a smelly ugly black potato. This truffle is considered to be the best edible mushroom
and has won its a place along side the finer foods of life. The mycorrhizal mushrooms are seasonal, do not
preserve well and are best eaten fresh.
Market Yields
At the turn of the 19th century, roughly 1500-2000 tons of the black winter truffle were harvested in Europe.
Since then, the truffle harvest has steadily declined. Here in Europe, a good black winter truffle harvest will
only yield 150 tons and a poor one, less than 50 tonnes
Cultivation
The optimum requirements for establishing a black winter truffle farm (truffle plantation) are:
* a free draining, high pH (above 7.0, with an optimum soil of 7.9 up till 8.5), well aerated soil with a well
defined structure, about 500 mm deep overlying a limestone base.
* the absence of other trees that may have competing fungi on their roots.
* warm summers and cool winters.
* irrigation water.
Black truffle Brouillade of the department of Var
highland
Ingredients:
16 eggs 1 olive oil dl
pepper
salt
1 dl of whipping cream
50 G of black truffles Material:
pan
spatula of wood
cheese grater
salad bowl
Method:
Grate truffles. Put the olive oil and grated in a pan. Make sweat during one grated moment truffles/ serviette
pliage facile in the olive oil. Beat eggs in a salad bowl, season, then pour them in a pan, while cooking gently
and while stirring up continuously. As of obtaining a creamy mixture, add the cream and put to reheat a little
bit. Rectify the seasoning. Be useful hot.