A truffle, also called a cube or nut of European origin, is a soft, dark stone that has a pressed shape that is closely-knit together. The outer surface of the cube may be rough or smooth and can be sprinkled with powdered sugar or other ingredients. Although it is called a truffle, its shape resembles that of an apple or some other similar fruit. This type of sweet treat is most often consumed when made with nuts.
In France, the word "truffle" is used to refer to any form of dried, smoked, or pickled mushrooms. In the United States, the term is commonly used to refer to the confectionery item. In Europe, however, the word "truffle" refers more specifically to the chocolate-flavored mixture of nuts, raisins, and other seasonings that are ground up and combined into a thick paste. It is a very popular delicacy in Europe but is becoming increasingly popular among many American consumers as well.
Truffle salt was first mentioned in 16th-century documents as a cure for all kinds of diseases including high blood pressure, dysentery, consumption of poisonous mushrooms, poor digestion and other digestive problems, colds and flu, and the common cold. Today it is used to add flavor and depth to foods or to season them before eating. It can also help to counteract the effects of culinary fat, such as bacon grease or butterfat. It can be found in several forms, including baguettes, cookies, and cakes, in the shops today, although the traditional form is still the chocolate-flavored mix on a truffle shell. Although not a traditional ingredient, the black truffle sea salt is among the most popular because it contains a very high amount of Vitamin C, over 500 times greater than in an orange, which is known to fight off bacteria and viruses.
Most people who use truffle salt are aware that it is created from the seeds of Pecan Trees, so if you have plans of making your own gourmet truffles at home, you should use fresh Pecans. However, dried Pecans are equally delicious and it is also possible to buy freeze-dried Pecans from specialist suppliers, although it is much cheaper to buy fresh mushrooms. Another way of creating truffles is to make them from different varieties of mushrooms, the most popular types are more often sold in supermarkets as a product called shiitake mushroom or Agaricus mushroom. Other popular varieties include more exotic species, including porcini, Angelica, and agapanthus.
Using it as a food seasoning is very common these days, although the original Italian Black truffle salt is still a much sought after product. If you are thinking of buying this product, then you should know that the authentic Italian Black truffle salt contains not only the real flavor but also many other components such as lemon juice, coriander, oregano, Rosemary, and garlic. This distinctive combination is the key to give this special treat its unique aroma and taste. The flavor of these ingredients is exactly what makes it so delightful and perfect for use as a food seasoning. However, the real attraction is that this unique mixture of flavor-incorporating ingredients will enhance the natural, earthy aroma of the mushrooms, rather than masking its natural aroma.
For example, you can intensify the Pecan aroma by adding to it some lemon juice and milk, or you can add to the earthiness of the flavor of the simple pleasure of white chocolate. The aroma is enhanced even more if you add to it a little bit of nutmeg and cardamom powder. As you can see from the list above, there are many combinations that you can try with your Italian black truffle salt. What is important though is that you do not forget that these salts have a very high concentration of minerals and essential nutrients in them. When you keep this fact in mind, you will be able to make an informed decision about how many of these salts to put in your recipe.
Other than making sure that you use truffle salt as a food seasoning and never as a cooking ingredient, you can use it to spice up your cooking dish. For instance, you can use it to marinate the meat that you have cooked until it's really tender. You can also use it in a salad dressing, or in a barbecue sauce. You can also use it as a garnish on dishes. Indeed, truffle salt is a versatile addition to your kitchen pantry and you will love the numerous ways that you will be able to use this special salt.
There is no doubt that you will enjoy the distinctive taste of authentic Italian black truffles. You should make sure though that you prepare your meal according to the specific directions for this particular kind of truffle. You may want to start your day with a big bowl of this salty flavor fix, and then enjoy the rest of your meals to come!