Nespoli funghi

since 1943

Nespoli funghi

Via Silvio Spaventa, 76 Bergamo

VAT number 04060060169

BLACK TRUFFLE

RECIPES AND TIPS

Every type of Tuber that alternates throughout the year is commonly called black truffle, but the species include Tuber Uncinatum Chatin, Tuber Aestivum, Tuber melanosporum, Tuber Borchii, etc.

However, the species that share the same name have very different physical and flavor characteristics. Sometimes even the way they are used changes.

WHY DO WE CALL IT BLACK TRUFFLE??

🍽️ THE PORTION

The recommended standard portion per person of black truffle is 10 grams. Logically, this amount is what (in our opinion) is necessary to best enjoy it on every dish and excludes the Tuber melanosporum, which is the prized black truffle.

🚫💧THE TRUFFLE IS WASHED!

We recommend anyone to wash the truffle only when it is to be used, but washing it is always necessary because the truffle grows underground and, in the worst case, it may have been in a dog's mouth.

🧼 THE CLEANING

To clean the black truffle, we recommend using a toothbrush to more easily remove the soil. A toothpick can also help reach the bumpier parts. It is essential to remove all the soil that may be attached to the truffle, and one should not be surprised if there are gaps since it often grows attached to roots.

⏱️ NOT A REAL COOKING, BUT IT MUST BE HEATED

Yes, we recommend bringing the black truffle to room temperature naturally by taking it out of the refrigerator, washing it, and slicing it before starting to cook.

It should be placed on the dish after being heated in a bit of butter but without drying it too much or added to the rice a few minutes before the end of cooking.

This serves to enhance its aroma, especially for the less flavorful species.

⚠️❗ the only exception is Tuber melanosporum

🚫🍚 SHOULD I PUT IT IN RICE TO PRESERVE IT?

Absolutely NOT!!

Rice is the last place to store fresh black truffle. Notoriously, rice is a starch and dries out the water naturally present in your truffle, ruining it irreparably.

🧊 THE STORAGE

The black truffle can be stored for 15/20 days from purchase.

Nespoli funghi guarantees fresh truffle even to those who receive it as a gift, but always for a maximum of 15/20 days from purchase and only if correctly stored.

The black truffle is stored wrapped in paper towels or in a paper bag, in the refrigerator.

In this case, an airtight jar is not necessary because the fragrance of the black truffle will only become dangerous for your products when it is at room temperature. When cold, it is often odorless.

❄️ HOW TO FREEZE IT (but only if necessary)

Yes, it is possible to freeze the black truffle, and the practice does not affect the use of the truffle itself because to release its fragrance, it will need to be heated. The important thing is to slice it while frozen; if thawed, it will inevitably be ruined.

🔪 TO SLICE IT, DO YOU NEED A TRUFFLE SLICER?

I often recommend using the tool for cutting carrots into julienne strips. The truffle slicer for black truffle has a blade with caps, but the julienne cut ensures that the truffle heats up faster.

🌍 TRUFFLES GROWING EVERYWHERE? NOT A MYTH!

Unlike white truffles, which are found only in very specific areas, black truffles have a much broader distribution—both across Italy and internationally. Sometimes they’re even discovered in private gardens!

📕 HARVESTING RULES

The harvesting of black truffles is regulated by local laws. In Italy, it follows the guidelines established by Regional Law no. 31, dated December 5, 2008 – Consolidated text of regional laws on agriculture, forestry, fishing, and rural development.

👨‍🌾 BECOMING A TRUFFLE HUNTER

To legally hunt truffles in Italy, you must:

be at least 14 years old;
pass a regional qualification exam (if you fail, you must wait one year to try again);
pay an annual license fee;
renew the license every 5 years.

The law also requires the use of specific tools and strictly defined procedures to be followed when harvesting.

🐶 BEST DOG BREEDS FOR TRUFFLE HUNTING

There’s no single ideal breed for truffle hunting—any dog can be trained if started at a young age.

However, the most recommended breeds include:
Bracco Italiano, Griffon, Lagotto Romagnolo, Pointer, Cocker Spaniel, Jack Russell, and Spinone Italiano.

All are known for their focus, persistence, and loyalty—key traits for a great truffle-hunting companion.

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🍂 THE MOST FAVORABLE SEASON FOR TASTE

The best time to savor black truffle is definitely autumn and winter, that is when it's cooler. To taste all species of truffle, however, we recommend keeping track of when it is purchased and how it is used.

It will be interesting to discover both the morphological and flavor differences.

👑 THE BEST SPECIES

The best quality of black truffle is the Tuber melanosporum, commonly called the prized black truffle. It is characterized by flesh with dark, almost black veins, just like its outer part. Unlike other species, it keeps for about ten days and should be used raw just like the white truffle.

😐 WHAT I THINK IS THE WORST SPECIES

There is a species of black truffle, the Tuber Mesentericum, characterized by a dimple, which has a very strong petroleum smell. This pungent smell disappears during cooking, although it leaves persistent residues on the palate. In fact, it is the only species we refuse to sell.

RISOTTO, THE USE OF TRUFFLE

The black truffle, already sliced and brought to temperature, must be added to the risotto during cooking. A few minutes before the creaming so that its flavor can be enhanced. This procedure does not apply to Tuber Melanosporum.