By When truffles were introduced to the world, people thought of them as something magical and a plant out of a mythical story. Even in those days, white truffles were an expensive edible fungus because they were not found everywhere and in Italy’s Tuscany, Emilio Romagna, and Piedmont areas.
But as people learned about these truffles, their beliefs that they are mythical or magical fungi began to fade away. Today, new misconceptions related to white truffles are circulating the web.
12 Myths about White Truffles Busted
The circulation of myths that will be mentioned in the points below is that people might have an unpleasant experience with truffles. They might not know how to use them or have purchased the wrong type of white truffles.
Truffles and Mushrooms are the Same
Truffles and mushrooms are different in many ways. These include their appearance as mushrooms have a long stem and an umbrella-like part on top. But truffles are round in shape. White truffles grow under the ground, but mushrooms emerge above the ground.
White Truffles can Grow Anywhere
This misconception developed because black truffles are known to have been found in Australia, America, and some countries of Europe. But white truffles can only be found in the forests of northern Italy. These truffles can only grow in the Mediterranean climate.
These Truffles come from Alba
Most of the time, the white truffles are also called Alba truffles. People mistakenly believe that these truffles are originally from Alba in Piedmont. This is one of many regions where truffles are found. Other areas where white truffles are Marche, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Molise.
White Truffles Can Be Used for Months
It has been recommended that the truffles be eaten within ten days of their cultivation. The months in which white truffles are available are September till December. If they are kept for weeks, they will become stale and have a foul smell.
Peeling Them Will Remove Dirt and Debris
It is very difficult to peel truffles because of their uneven shape. They can be cleaned by brushing off the dirt with a soft-bristle brush. Also, sometimes a damp cloth will wipe off the debris.
Truffles are In Fact Poop
Many people might think of black truffles as poop of small animals because of their appearance, but they are a species of fungus that are round and have an uneven texture.
You Can’t Order Truffles Online
This misconception explains that they are rare to find, making them expensive. So this can be the reason why people think that they are unavailable in stores online. But you can buy truffles and even other products made from them in stores like Tartuflanghe.
Black and White Truffles Consumption is Identical
The main difference between the consumption of white and black truffles is that white ones are wholly used as a dressing. But the, black truffles can be added to Italian dishes as a separate ingredient.
They Originate from France
You should not confuse the sweet dish truffles made of chocolate from France. White truffles are found in Tuscany, Molise, Emilia Romagna, Marche, and Tuscany.
Just Two Types of Truffles Available
The reason for people to believe that there are only two kinds of truffles is because of their availability in shops. But there have been forty-two species of truffles found all across the globe.
Only Pigs used to Hunt
In the past, pigs were used for hunting truffles, but the cultivators learned that dogs had a more enhanced sense of smell to sniff out truffles more efficiently. Today, both pigs and dogs are used for hunting truffles.
Price of Gold and White Truffles are Same
Although white truffles are more expensive than other Italian ingredients, gold is more expensive. One gram of white truffles will cost you five dollars, whereas thirty-four dollars is the price of one gram of gold.
The explanation of these myths might have cleared the concept of white truffles.
Here are three questions that will make you understand that the myths about white truffles are wrong.
Read More: Know These 4 Things About White Truffles Before Buying Them
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get sick from eating too many truffles?
As the saying goes, excess of everything is bad. So, even eating white truffles too much will cause gastrointestinal issues. The person suffering from these problems can experience vomiting, nausea, stomachache, and diarrhea.
What trees do truffles come from?
Mainly, truffles grow under barks and roots of oak trees, but other trees like hazelnut, fir, birch, poplar, and beech can also grow lesser quality truffles.
What climate do truffles grow in?
The best climate to grow truffles is the Mediterranean region. The weather in the regions of Tuscany, Abruzzo, and Emilio Romagne is hot but humid, making the soil soft and moist. This is the ideal weather condition in which white truffles grow.
