The Sensual Appeal of Truffle Smell

Did you know that during the pre-historic Greek and Roman civilizations, truffles were used as an aphrodisiac? Yes, truffles have been used for centuries not only as a delicacy or natural medicine. Their alluring aroma stirs a sensual feeling, so it’s little wonder that truffles are regarded as the culinary counterpart of sex. That strong and earthy truffle smell casts its magic spell, making this mushroom irresistible to truffle fans.

Such an appeal may seem strange especially to those who have never seen a truffle in their entire life. Or even to those who think truffle smells like a combination of weird stuff or that of what a male pig gives off to sexually attract female pigs. Okay, that might make you cringe. But then, the fact that truffles elicit a sensual feeling cannot be dismissed outright.

The incredible aphrodisiac powers of truffles have been felt not only by the ancient Greeks and the Romans, but also by modern-day gourmet chefs and connoisseurs. It is interesting to note, though, that such a power in fact has no scientific basis. There is no solid evidence yet that proves the claim that truffles have the ability to stimulate sexual drive in humans, let alone animals.

Despite that lack of proof of the truffles’ mystical power, their smell makes you want to inhale it over and over. It’s difficult to exactly describe the smell. All you can say is that truffles smell pungent, earthy, musky, and sensual. That being said, you can more accurately say that people perceive the aroma of the truffle based on the olfactory response it evokes, not so much on its real smell. The aroma is actually more overwhelming than the flavor of the truffles, so much so that it becomes the flavor itself. It’s what your taste buds sense rather than the actual flavor, unless the truffle variety has a taste that resembles that of a garlic and other strong-flavored spices. Most truffles taste bland, and it’s the smell that adds excitement to your dishes.

Wondering what makes the truffle aroma so appealing to the senses? Perhaps, it’s the rarity and the fact that truffles are buried deep within the earth. Truffles are so scarce that they are hard to find. Yes, you can find them in every part of the world, but it takes a great deal of hard work, time, patience, and knowledge about various truffle species to be able to collect these precious finds. And you can correctly guess that it’s their being elusive that makes them seductive, what with the human nature that drives people to want anything that is difficult to attain. Of course, truffles are a perfect example.

The aromatic truffle smell is simply unmistakable. Try truffles for yourself. You don’t have to be a gourmet cook or a truffle enthusiast to appreciate the sexy aroma that a truffle exudes. You just have to be adventurous and a bit experimental when it comes to cooking or preparing dishes with truffles. You’ll never know it until you experience eating truffles.
