Sources:
Enter the
Share Market®
Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Fresh Burgundy truffles look like small, rough rocks. Averaging one ounce in weight, and around 2-3 inches in diameter, Burgundy truffles have a chocolate-brown exterior, with large, diamond-shaped points. Inside, the truffle has a veined, coffee-colored flesh. The autumn truffle species is not as pungent as the winter truffle; it has an earthy, hazelnut flavor. Its flavor is stronger than the summer Tuber aestivum, likely because of more time left underground.
Seasons/Availability
Burgundy truffles are available in the fall.
Current Facts
Burgundy truffles are known as Tuber uncinatum. These black truffles are the autumn variety of Tuber aestivum, or summer truffles. The only differences between the summer and autumn varieties are purely ecological, no microscopic differences exist. Truffles are highly valued fungi because they are not cultivated; truffles are foraged in the forests of Europe, their locations kept secret. Truffles have added pungent earthiness to dishes for centuries. Enjoyed by the Ancient Romans and Greeks, truffles were believed to have therapeutic and aphrodisiac properties.
Applications
The delicate flavor of Burgundy truffles is best enjoyed raw, shaved thinly over pasta, risotto, egg or potato dishes. The flavor of Burgundy truffles does not hold up well to heat. Add a few shavings to a butter sauce before spooning it over steak or other meats. Store wrapped in a paper towel in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator; use within 2-3 days to ensure the best flavor.
Geography/History
Found in nearly every European country, Burgundy truffles are more widely distributed than any other truffle species. Most Burgundy truffles, however, are foraged in France and Italy. There is a very specific harvesting time for Burgundy truffles, so there is no confusion with the "summer" variety. Truffles are a rare type of fungus that grow beneath the ground, typically amongst the roots of hardwood trees like oak, chestnut and hazelnut. The value of truffles is very high; it is said that the demand for truffles is ten times greater than the supply.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Burgundy Truffles. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
