What exactly is a truffle (mushrooms)?
Truffle describes a group of edible mycorrhizal (subterranean) mushrooms (genus Tuber, class Ascomycetes, division Mycota). The ascoma (fruiting body) of truffles is highly prized as food. In 1825 Brillat-Savarin called the truffle “the diamond of the kitchen” and praised its aphrodisiac powers. (Physiology of Taste Meditation vi). While the aphrodisiac characteristics of truffles have not been established, it is still held in high esteem in colloquial French and northern Italian cooking, and in international haute cuisine. ——————————————————————————– Truffle is also a chocolate confection, which is named after its physical resemblance with a black truffle. Edible Usage white truffle cut in slicesBecause of their high price and their pungent taste, truffles are used sparingly. Paper-thin truffle slices may be inserted in meats, under the skins of roasted fowl, in foie gras preparations, in pts, or in stuffings. Truffle oil is an econ
