Buying Your Truffles And Truffle Products

Truffles are considered rare and a delicacy in some countries, thus its high price.  Most of the truffles are from Europe, although countries like the United States, Australia and New Zealand are already venturing into commercial reproduction.  

Not all varieties are the same.  Although there are hundreds of truffle species, not all are consumed by humans.  There are particular truffles which are considered higher in value compared with other species, like the white truffle.  The lowest value for truffles was in 1992, when it reached $350 for each pound.  Its most expensive was when each pound costs $2000.  The most expensive was the white truffle weighing 3.3 pounds purchased for $330,000.   

Since buying truffles is no light matter, in relation to budget, it is important to consider several things to ensure that you would be getting your money worth.   Timing is essential in harvesting, marketing and buying truffles.  There are truffles like the black winter variety that is best bought during its peak season which is from February to March.  

Truffles have their own characteristics and colors which could change based on their age or maturity.  For example, black truffles when still young would have red exterior color with the inside white instead of black.  This would be during early spring.  Upon September to November, the black truffles would turn into dark grey or black with white veins.   This is a sign that the truffles are mature enough to harvest and to eat.  

	Summer truffles are best purchased from June to November.  
	Winter truffles during November to February, 
	White truffles during October to December
	Oregon truffles from mid-December until the middle of March. 
	Perigord truffles from December until February
	Burgundy Truffles from October until January. 

The truffles should not reach beyond this point.  They would develop a disagreeable odour and they become spongy and dry.  Truffles showing this kind of characteristics are no longer ideal for consumption.  When looking for truffles, make sure that they are harvested in their right age. 

There are truffles which are preserved so that it could be distributed.  These mushrooms are cooked at 400 degrees and frozen, so that they would be able to reach its destination. 

Truffle mushrooms are not the only ones used for cooking.  There are also different truffle products which also provide the same pungent taste, like truffle oil, butter, honey, vinegar and paste.  Theres even a truffle vodka, which is not only used in cocktails but also in different dishes. 

If you have decided to purchase truffle products instead of truffles, then you expect less intense flavour. It may even fade away quickly.  Truffle products should be kept away from direct sunlight and should be consumed immediately to achieve best results. 

If it is difficult to search truffles and truffle products in your location, then the best option would be to check online sites.  The Gourmet Food Store and Earthly Delights are two of reputable online sites where you could find gourmet mushrooms and truffle products.  
