What is a Black Truffle?
Black Truffle, or Black Perigord Truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is named for the Perigord region in France and grows with oak and hazelnut trees. Specimens can be found in late autumn and winter and can weigh up to an amzing 1 kg! Black Truffles look like a nubby sphere with a cracked surface that is greyish-brownish black when mature, but they have a reddish scaly skin when immature. Cracks in the truffle surface create a diamond shaped pattern. The inside of the truffle is purplish-black, firm and streaked with white veins and this indicates maturity. The aroma of a fresh Black Truffle is appealing and earthy with a nutty taste – which has also been described as a mixture of chocolate and earth.
