Truffles (fungi not chocolate)...
Being that Umbria can be call the 'Land of the Truffle' (tartufo), we thought it best to find out more about this very aromatic delicacy. And just what is the difference between a mushroom and a truffle (and why, when looking at the photo would someone pick that up and say, "Let's eat this!").
The answer came at the very delightful 27° annual Sagra del Tartufo in the neighboring village of Terzo San Severo... Fungi that sprout fruiting bodies above ground are called mushrooms ... underneath the ground, are truffles. And disregarding their looks, are quite tasty!
Interestingly, people have been enamored with the taste and aroma of this round brown wonder for over 3,000 years. Truffles are found growing 3-12 inches deep among the roots of oaks, or sometimes under chestnut, hazel, and beech trees. Humans enlist the help of specially trained dogs or pigs to sniff out and dig up these fragrant and expensive delicacies: the pigs are better hunters, but dogs tend to be more cooperative about relinquishing their finds.
2 comments:
...And I thought "truffles" were a kind of sweet treat confectionary made from blended butter, cream, and sweet chocolate. I've never heard of a "fungi" type of truffle. Do they sell them here in the states? What would you eat them with? Are they to be eaten with a certain type of food or dish? Hmm-m-m-m... VERY interesting. ...Learned something new today!
Max
From the looks of the tuffles I would say they should by left to remain underground, to begin, and finish, decomposing BUT if you say they are good then I suppose I should try them one day. :)
Do they taste like mushrooms though? Can you tell the difference?
PS I have been living with a pig, but I don't think he (Francis Bacon) is good for anything but knocking over drinks, attempting to bite my feet, and eating the bathroom trash...
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