The Italian Black Winter Truffle, or Tuber melanosporum, is a prized culinary delicacy harvested from the forests of Italy during fall. Known for its deep, earthy aroma and slightly nutty flavor with hints of garlic and hazelnut, this truffle adds complexity and depth to dishes. Its dark, rough exterior and marbled interior pair well with simple ingredients like pasta, risotto, and eggs, enhancing their flavors.

Your truffles will arrive carefully packed in a well-insulated box with ice packs to ensure they remain fresh during transit. Our packaging is designed to protect the delicate truffles, preserving their aroma and quality until they reach your kitchen, ready to be enjoyed.

To keep truffles fresh and aromatic, proper storage is essential. Here are the best methods:

1. Refrigeration: Place fresh truffles in a breathable container, like a paper bag or a glass jar, lined with dry paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Change the paper towels daily. Store the container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, where the temperature is stable, ideally around 37–40°F (3–4°C).
2. Short-Term Freezing: If you plan to store truffles longer, freeze them whole in an airtight container. For best results, shave or slice frozen truffles directly over hot dishes without thawing, as this preserves their flavor and texture.
3. Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic can trap moisture and lead to spoilage. Instead, use breathable storage options or airtight containers with proper humidity control, such as by adding dry rice in the jar, which can also infuse a delicate truffle aroma into the rice for cooking.
4. Truffle Butter or Oil: For longer preservation, you can make truffle butter or oil, which will extend their shelf life and allow you to add a hint of truffle flavor to dishes long after the fresh truffles are gone.

These methods ensure that truffles retain their distinctive aroma and delicate flavor for as long as possible.

Truffles are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance dishes with their unique aroma and flavor. Here are some popular methods:

1. Shaved Fresh Over Dishes: The most traditional way to enjoy truffles is to shave them thinly over warm dishes like pasta, risotto, scrambled eggs, or mashed potatoes. The warmth releases their aroma without cooking them directly, preserving their delicate flavor.
2. Infuse in Sauces and Creams: Add thin truffle shavings to cream-based sauces, butter, or olive oil for a luxurious, earthy flavor. Just a small amount of truffle can infuse sauces with its aroma, enhancing pasta dishes, steaks, or poultry.
3. Truffle Butter or Oil: For a simpler option, create truffle-infused butter or oil. Spread truffle butter on toast or use it to finish meats and vegetables. Truffle oil can be drizzled over pizzas, roasted vegetables, or salads.
4. Pair with Simple Ingredients: Truffles shine when paired with mild ingredients that let their flavor stand out. Foods like eggs, potatoes, pasta, and rice are ideal for showcasing truffles.
5. In Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: Truffles pair well with creamy cheeses and cured meats. You can even find truffle-infused cheeses, which add a gourmet touch to any board.

Using truffles sparingly is key, as their flavor is potent. These methods ensure you get the most out of each truffle while elevating simple dishes to something extraordinary.