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The black Russian truffle is an edible representative of the Truffleaceae family, a marsupial mushroom, and a close relative of morels. It can be found in the south of Russia, in the Leningrad, Pskov, and Moscow regions. To prepare a delicious mushroom dish, you need to know the external characteristics and study the rules of collection.
What does a black Russian truffle look like?
To have an idea of what a summer Russian truffle looks like, you need to familiarize yourself with the external data, view photos and videos. Characteristic features of the species:
- the tuberous mushroom has an uneven shape;
- the size of an adult specimen is at least 10 cm;
- the surface is furrowed, black, gray or dark brown;
- the pulp is dense, becoming loose as it grows;
- color yellow-gray or ocher-brown;
- the marble pattern is clearly visible on the cut;
- taste sweet, nutty;
- The aroma is rich, sometimes compared to the smell of algae or fallen leaves.
Reproduction occurs by oval spores, which are located in an ocher-brown powder.
Where does the black summer truffle grow?
Black Russian truffle bears fruit throughout the warm season. In the southern regions it grows until mid-November. The fruiting body is located underground, at a depth of 15-25 cm. It prefers deciduous forests and grows in single specimens or small groups.
The main regions of frequent and abundant fruiting are the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and Crimea. In single copies, summer black truffle can be found in the Leningrad, Pskov, Belgorod and Moscow regions.
Is it possible to eat summer Russian black truffle?
This representative of the forest kingdom is edible. Due to its strong, pleasant aroma, it is often added to various dishes. But since it grows underground and is difficult to find, its price is very high. Therefore, for mushroom hunting to be successful, you need to know the rules of collection.
False doubles
The black summer mushroom is similar to the prized delicacy Perigord truffle. Distinctive characteristics:
- the round fruit body is colored deep black;
- the pulp is dense, fleshy;
- in young specimens the marble pattern is painted light gray, becoming black and purple as it grows;
- The taste is bitter-nutty, the aroma is pleasant, rich.
Rules for collection and use
Collecting truffles is a difficult and challenging job, since this representative of the forest kingdom grows underground. Therefore, for mushroom hunting to be successful, mushroom pickers take a specially trained pig or dog to help. Animals, sensing the smell, begin to dig the ground, and the mushroom picker can only dig up the found prey.
Summer black truffle is considered a delicacy. Before cooking, the fruit body is thoroughly cleaned of soil with a brush. Since the species does not tolerate heat treatment, the mushroom is cut into thin slices or shavings and placed on a prepared hot dish. Once warmed up, the pulp begins to give off a nutty aroma, giving the food a piquant flavor note.
The mushroom is used to prepare pates, sauces, and pie fillings. Truffles also perfectly complement meat, fish and seafood dishes. To preserve freshness and aroma for a long time, the mushroom harvest can be frozen and preserved in cognac.
This forest dweller has beneficial properties. Helps:
- for gout;
- during depression;
- for eye diseases.
This type has no contraindications. The only exception is individual intolerance.
Conclusion
Black Russian truffle is a delicious and rarely found species. The collection is carried out at night, and in order for the mushroom hunt to be successful, mushroom pickers often take a specially trained dog with them. Due to their pleasant nutty taste and smell, truffles are used to prepare various dishes.
