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The Crimean truffle is common on the coast of the peninsula in wooded areas. The mushroom from the Truffle family is classified under the scientific name Tuber aestivum.
The Crimean species is also known under other definitions: edible, Russian black, earthen or black heart. To add value to the product, mushrooms are sometimes called Burgundy mushrooms, although these are different species.
Crimean truffle is often found in the thickets of young oak forests
Do truffle mushrooms grow in Crimea?
On the Black Sea coast, including in Crimea, black summer representatives, or the so-called black Russians, are found quite often, according to mushroom pickers who specialize in searching and collecting expensive underground prey. They are found in forests and plantings where broad-leaved species grow - oaks, beeches, hornbeams. The Crimean species is also sometimes found in coniferous plantations. One of the famous mycologists of our time refutes unconfirmed claims that the winter black species also grows in Crimea, since there have been no known cases of finding these mushrooms.
They start looking for summer black truffle on the Crimean coast from May until December.
What does the Crimean truffle mushroom look like?
The fruiting bodies of Crimean summer truffles are found at a depth of 3-12 cm, in some places much deeper. Ripe mushrooms sometimes come to the surface.
A black summer species ranging in size from 2 to 11 cm. The fruit bodies of Crimean truffles, as in the photo, are irregular in shape, tuberous or round. The skin is black-blue, may have a brown tint, and is warty. Large tubercles on the skin of a pyramidal shape.
Russian black truffle pulp is light
When young, the flesh is yellow-white or grayish-yellow, then gradually turns brown, the yellow color becomes darker. The cut shows light beige veins, which are compared to a natural marble pattern. The flesh of the Crimean type is dense, juicy, then becomes loose. The smell is pleasant, quite strong.
Some experts believe that the mushroom smells like algae or fallen leaves. The taste of the sweetish pulp is compared to a walnut.
The mass of spores of Crimean underground mushrooms is yellow-brown.
Where does truffle grow in Crimea?
The Crimean species of recognized delicious mushrooms creates mycorrhiza with broad-leaved or other trees, less often with pine trees. Typically, the fruiting bodies of the summer variety are found in places where hornbeam, beech, oak or birch grow. On the Crimean coast they are also searched for near pine trees. Often, specialist mushroom pickers return from a successful quiet hunt in the undergrowth of young beeches or oaks. Usually, ripe mushrooms are found from the last days of July until the beginning of December.
How to find truffles in Crimea
The Russian summer species black, or Crimean, prefers to grow on soils with a high lime content. It is found at a depth of 3 to 14 16 cm. Although sometimes the depth reaches 25-29 cm. It is believed that on the Crimean Peninsula these mushrooms cannot be found in the central steppe or mountain region, but only on the coast and in the foothills. Particularly successful is the search for truffles in the Kirov region, as well as in the famous Baydar Valley in the vicinity of Sevastopol.
Is it possible to eat Crimean truffles?
The Crimean edible truffle, or Russian black, looks a little like the famous Périgord black, shown in the photo:
Both species have fruiting bodies of the same dark color with pyramidal tubercles. But the difference begins after the mushroom is cut: the marble pattern is completely different. Winter French truffles have brown, even black-purple flesh. The veins are black and white, with a red border. The summer Crimean species is distinguished by yellowish-brown flesh with white veins. Mushrooms also have different microscopic parameters.
Winter black truffle
The Crimean truffle is edible, but does not have the same smell as the Western European type. The taste correlates with a nutty note. Professionals believe that the consistency of Crimean mushrooms is coarser, and the smell is significantly inferior in composition to their distant French relative.
Rumor has it that initially Crimean truffles were highly valued, but after restaurateurs learned about their true taste, the price dropped somewhat. Some fashionable chefs believe that the Crimean look is only suitable as a decoration on dishes.
In summer, underground mushrooms are small
Rules for collection and use
Although underground mushrooms are collected on the Crimean peninsula, such actions may well be classified as illegal, since the species is included in protected natural objects and is included in the list of those protected in the Red Book of Russia and Crimea. Mushroom pickers coordinate their actions with the relevant structures; it is forbidden to collect fruiting bodies in protected areas.
A new business is being popularized - growing mushroom delicacies by planting bushes and trees with ready-made truffle mycorrhiza on the roots. In such places, signs of ripening fruiting bodies:
- the soil is ashy;
- midge swarming in one place low above the ground;
- potholes in the ground made by animals.
The mushroom delicacy retains its properties fresh, just as it is consumed:
- fruiting bodies are cut with a slicer directly into a plate near the dining table;
- The delicacy is added to dishes prepared from products with an inexpressive odor.
Conclusion
The Crimean truffle is edible, like all fruiting bodies of the Russian summer species. It differs from Western European delicacies in a less intense smell, taste, and different consistency of the pulp. It is listed in the Red Book as a rare species, so unauthorized collection is in conflict with the law.
