Black Fall Truffle (Tuber Uncinatum)

Black Fall Truffle (Tuber Uncinatum) Availability: Sept.-Dec. •Similar to Tuber Aestivum with more pleasing and intense odor The name of this truffle is derived from its hook shaped spores. The fruity body is large and ranges from the size of an egg to that of an orange, but at times even larger than 10 cm in diameter. The skin is black. Its odor resembles that of a hazelnut . It ripens all year round but mostly from September to December. In Italy, it is found most frequently in central and northern zones.

Fresh Truffle Storage and Handling: After buying fresh truffles, your precious purchase should be cleaned of any earth by rubbing it gently with a small brush, such as a toothbrush, under running water. Fresh truffles are living, delicate organisms that must be consumed as soon as possible as they tend to dehydrate (at room temperature they lose 1-2% of their weight every day) and lose their scent. To properly store your truffle, before or in between uses, wrap it in a dry paper towel, which you should change every day. Then place the truffle in a glass jar, close tightly and store in the least cool part of the refrigerator somewhere between 39-46 degrees Fahrenheit. This storage method guarantees the quality of a prized white truffle will stay for at least a week and that of a black truffle for two weeks.