Truffle is an annual natural fungus that mostly grows under pine, oak, and oak trees. Together with foie gras and caviar, it is known as the "three major French delicacies", and its annual consumption is twice that of wild rice. There are more than 30 types of truffles, among which white truffles and black truffles are the most delicious. Because truffles are very picky about their growing environment, they will not be able to grow as long as there is a slight change in sunlight, water, or soil pH, which is why truffles are so rare. How expensive are truffles? Mosso Henri, who has been cultivating truffles for decades, said that the best quality truffles in the world are white truffles from Alba, Italy. One kilogram was once priced at US$35,000. The last one is black truffles from Perigord in France, which cost at least US$500. It tastes like earth and garlic, smells like natural gas, some are like cheese, some are like onions, but they are not the same. It has an earthy smell and tastes like cabbage. "The taste of heaven." If we talk about the price of black truffles If it is similar to gold of the same weight, then the only thing that can compete with the price of white truffles is diamonds.

Truffles cannot be cultivated artificially, which is one of the reasons why white truffles are so expensive. Prices fluctuate from year to year, but usually range from $800 to $1,500 per pound (453 grams).

Truffles, along with caviar, champagne, oysters, and foie gras, mark the most expensive luxury items. Their price and taste are also one of the reasons why white truffles are often called white diamonds, even before they are carved. Somewhat ugly. When first dug up, white truffles look like chunky, dusty potatoes, but once cut open they reveal their marbled texture, ivory patterns and intoxicating aroma. The heavenly taste of white truffle mainly comes from its aroma, so it is usually eaten without heating. It is cut into very thin slices and served with fresh egg noodles. Italian sauce, such a delicacy is conceivable.

Truffles are called "diamonds" by the French. Their value is alongside caviar, foie gras and other high-end delicacies, and they are known as the "three kings" of gourmet food. The inherent unique fragrance of truffles makes it an extremely precious condiment in French and Italian cuisine. The largest white truffle in history was discovered in 1951, weighing about 4 pounds, and sold for about $5,000 at the time. In the years just after the end of World War II, you can imagine how precious $5,000 was.

In 2004, the United States held a "truffle bidding event" with truffles as the ultimate food. Using online video to connect with major restaurants in New York and Los Angeles, gourmets from the two cities were able to bid. In this auction, there were only three precious Oba truffles, and the most eye-catching one was undoubtedly one. The white truffle from Elba in northern Italy weighs one kilogram, but the weight of ordinary truffles is only one-tenth, so it is extremely precious. It was originally promoted by the host of the popular American TV show "High Life". The price of the white truffle, which was priced at US$8,000, was immediately increased to US$30,000 by chefs from both coasts. In the end, Pitka, a famous film and television director and owner of Bastide Restaurant in Los Angeles, beat his opponent with a price of US$35,000. The restaurant is responsible for this. Renpoto told a reporter from the European Daily: "Weighing one kilogram of white truffles, US$35,000 is a price worth paying. ”

The ancients believed that truffles were the daughters of lightning. The ancient Greeks and Romans were very fascinated by truffles. They believed that truffles had an aphrodisiac effect. The famous composer and gourmet Rossini praised truffles as the best among mushrooms. Mozart. Truffles once grew in the woodlands of Italy, and the best are produced on the fringes of the Roero and Langhe hills in Italy's Piedmont region, which is also where Italy's best wines are produced.

< p>Truffles contain alpha male hormone, a compound similar to male steroid hormones. Some people believe that it is this smell that induces female animals to search, making them mistakenly think that they are tracking a partner of the opposite sex. Is there any truth to this statement? It remains to be studied.

A good truffle should be very firm, compact, and not as soft as mushrooms. Connoisseurs must carefully identify the smell of truffles before purchasing. This is very unique and unique. The indescribable taste is the first criterion for identifying the quality of truffles. Fortunately, precious truffles can be stored for a long time as long as they are kept with their own soil, and only these soils can allow truffles to retain their charming aroma. Wrap it in paper towels, then wrap it in tin foil, and put it in the refrigerator at low temperature, otherwise the flavor will disappear completely, and don't overcook the truffles as many recipes say. Store it in rice. The rice will absorb all the unique flavor of the truffle, leaving you with only an expensive potato.

The traditional way to eat truffles is to cut them with a special slicer. Fontuta is a classic white truffle dish made from Vertina cheese, eggs and milk. Add cheese made from white truffles and eat it with bread. It tastes wonderful.

Of course, white truffles can also be heated and eaten, if you are confident in your cooking skills. Here is a method recommended for you: slice the potatoes and cook them, slice the white truffles and bake them with butter and parmesan cheese, and then add the potatoes. The cost of this dish is around $200.

Like fine wine, white truffles are divided into different types according to the roots of the trees they grow on, such as willow, oak, poplar, lime and grapevine. White truffles also range in color from white to pink to brownish gray. Unlike black truffles, white truffles lose their unique flavor when heated, and the best way to eat them is to wash and slice them at the end. Black truffles are best paired with a bottle of Ponmallot red wine, while white truffles need a bottle of aged Riesling.