Over the past few years, truffle products have taken the culinary world by storm. Social media platforms are buzzing with new sauces and fast-food collaborations. From Shake Shack’s White Truffle Menu to Popeyes’ Spicy Truffle Chicken Sandwich, these collabs have sparked a flourishing interest in these prized fungi. Google Trends reflects this growing allure, demonstrating a significant increase in searches for “truffle sauce” since 2018.
Not to be mistaken with the chocolate confection, truffles are elegant in taste and automatically refine any dish with a delicious umami flavor. So, if you spot any truffle-forward creations, it’s a trend worth embracing. Amidst this resurgence, Italian truffles take the spotlight, as Italy holds a significant position as one of the world’s primary truffle producers. In this article, we embark on a journey into the world of truffles, guided by Colle del Tartufo, the newest addition to our catalog.
Truffle Talk
Truffles are a type of edible fungi, similar to mushrooms, but with a twist – they grow underground. As ectomycorrhizal fungi, truffles share a symbiotic relationship with host trees, therefore these delicacies can be found among the roots of several tree species such as oak, hazel, pine and beech. Thriving in humid and colder climates, truffles call the northern and central regions of Italy home, particularly in places such as Piedmont, Tuscany, and Umbria. Here, they grow thanks to the unique microclimate and soil conditions.
Harvesting truffles is no easy task. Although they’re related to mushrooms, they never break the surface, making them a challenge to find. But fear not, man’s best friend comes to the rescue: the truffle dog. These specially trained pups use their keen sense of smell to locate truffles by detecting the aroma emitted by the truffle spore. Fun fact: Pigs were once the go-to truffle hunters, but their love for snacking on the finds became a bit of an issue!
Colle del Tartufo
Since the mid ‘70s, Colle del Tartufo has been dedicated to the harvesting of truffles and the production of truffle products. It all began when Giuseppe, the founder, came across a majestic oak tree alongside his loyal four-legged companion. Beneath the foliage of the oak tree, they found beautiful and fragrant truffles, marking the genesis of Colle del Tartufo. Today, the oak tree stands tall as the emblem of the company, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection between nature and Colle del Tartufo’s commitment to excellence.
Based in the picturesque region of Umbria, Italy, Colle del Tartufo works with truffle hunters to meticulously select the best truffles, ensuring the creation of only the highest quality products. Their commitment goes beyond production, with daily inspections of their truffle farms to monitor the health of each plant and employ natural remedies when needed to safeguard the quality of their products.
We’re thrilled to feature an array of their products in our catalog, each promising unparalleled taste and quality:
1. Black Truffle Sauce (#720010)
Colle del Tartufo’s sauces are crafted from recipes passed down through generations. Their Black Truffle Sauce perfectly embodies the rich, earthy, and luxurious flavors of black truffles. Velvety with aromatic notes, it effortlessly enhances any meal.
2. White Truffle Sauce (#720020)
The White Truffle Sauce offers a delicate and aromatic profile, promising an exceptional flavor experience. With earthy notes, a subtle umami factor, and a hint of garlic essence, it captures the exquisite flavor that only the finest Italian white truffles can provide.
3. Truffle Dust (#720030)
This Truffle Dust was made to push every dish to the next level. With an intense flavor and scent, just a sprinkle can add an earthy, musky, mushroom flavor to any meal.
4. White Truffle & Parmigiano Reggiano Cream (#720040)
Colle del Tartufo’s creams boast the aroma and taste of truffles but with a twist – they are blended with true P.D.O. cheese. This sauce is the embodiment of Italian excellence, crafted with luxurious white truffles and the king of cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano.
5. Black Truffle & Pecorino Romano PDO Cream
Black truffles combined with sheep’s milk cheese give life to this delicious cream. Crafted with authentic P.D.O. Pecorino Romano, this cream boasts a slightly tangy taste, creating the ideal contrast to the richness of earthy truffles.
Culinary Use
Wondering how to use these truffle treasures? They’re great for elevating any humble dish to gastronomic heights. Simple and versatile, they’ll become a staple in your shopper’s kitchen.
You can essentially put Colle del Tartufo’s Sauces and Creams on anything. Simply heat it in a saucepan, stir occasionally, and once ready, drizzle over pasta, risotto, grilled meats, vegetables, or any dish deserving of a touch of luxury. If you’re not in the mood to cook, the truffle dust is here to make every truffle-lover’s life easier. Sprinkle it on anything – eggs, popcorn, fries, you name it!