Content
The black winter truffle is an edible member of the Truffle family. Grows underground in birch groves. It begins to bear fruit from November to February, in regions with a warm climate. Because of its pleasant aroma and tender pulp, the mushroom is used raw in cooking.
What does a black winter truffle look like?
The black winter truffle has a tuberous fruit body of irregular round shape. The size can be from 8 to 20 cm. The surface is covered with thyroid or polygonal growths. In young specimens, the skin is dark purple, becoming deep black as it grows.
The flesh of young species is pure white, and with age it acquires a violet-gray color with a pronounced marble pattern. The weight of an adult specimen reaches a kilogram or more.
The marble pattern is clearly visible on the cut
Where does the black winter truffle grow?
This forest dweller forms a mycelium on the roots of birch, oak, hazel and linden. It bears fruit from November to March, in regions with warm winters. It can be found in Crimea and North Ossetia.
Is it possible to eat black winter truffle?
This species is considered a delicacy. The pulp has a delicate nutty aroma. But since the smell is less pronounced than that of a simple black truffle, the nutritional value of this specimen is somewhat less.
The mushroom has beneficial properties and contraindications. Positive traits:
- improves the metabolic process;
- reduces blood sugar;
- removes bad cholesterol and toxins;
- improves intestinal motility and the functioning of the endocrine system.
Winter truffle goes well with meat and fish dishes
Black winter truffle is contraindicated:
- children under 12 years old;
- pregnant and lactating women;
- people with peptic ulcers and allergic reactions.
False doubles
This forest dweller has similar brothers. These include:
- Black. A valuable delicacy. The fruit body is black, the flesh is light at first, then becomes dark purple. Due to its pleasant bitter-nutty taste and smell, it is eaten fresh.
Valuable, delicious look
- Summer - an edible representative of the mushroom kingdom, growing in Russia from July to November. The fruit body is dark brown or black. The aromatic pulp is light, with a characteristic marble pattern. The taste is nutty, sweetish.
Grows in warm regions of Russia
- Burgundian or autumn - a valuable, delicious species that grows from September to January. The round tuberous body is black, the flesh is light brown with a characteristic marble pattern, chocolate taste and nutty aroma. Since the mushroom does not tolerate heat treatment, it is used fresh. It goes well with meat, fish, strong alcoholic drinks and fruits.
Has a nutty aroma and pleasant taste
Rules for collection and use
Collecting truffles is not an easy job, as the mushrooms are located underground, and without certain skills they are difficult to find. Often mushroom pickers take a pig or a specially trained dog as an assistant. The pig smells the truffle smell at a distance of 25 m and, when a mycelium is detected, begins to dig the ground to obtain its favorite delicacy.
Mushroom picking is carried out at night; yellow insects can serve as a guide. They fly in large numbers over mushroom areas and lay larvae on the fruiting body.
Black winter truffle is widely used in cooking, medicine and cosmetology. Due to its high cost, the mushroom is rarely used in everyday cooking. In restaurants, it is added fresh to meat and fish dishes, and used in salads and slices.
In folk medicine, the mushroom is used:
- for the treatment of eye diseases;
- for gout, arthrosis and arthritis;
- as a powerful aphrodisiac.
In expensive beauty salons, the mushroom is used to prepare masks that lighten the skin and remove pigmentation. Truffle also perfectly fights wrinkles, smoothes the skin and improves facial contour.
Conclusion
Black winter truffle is an edible, delicious mushroom. Because of its pleasant nutty aroma and taste, it is added to meat and fish dishes. But since the price is very high, you need to know the species characteristics of the mushroom, the place and rules of collection, and view photos and videos.
