White Truffles

While taking a stroll through Central Park the other day the colours of the leaves were magnificent. Autumn has arrived! One of the world’s most rare ingredients has arrived too; the white truffle. These are not the black truffles of Burgundy, France seen on menus all over the world.  The Alba white truffle is one of the most expensive foods in the world. It grows wild and it can not be cultivated. The Alba white truffle is a true piece of gastronomic luxury.

Starting in early to mid  September through December truffle hunters along with their dogs prowl the Piedmont in search for what some call the ‘diamond of the culinary world’. Once brought to surface the truffles are sold to purveyors around the world. These precious fungi contain an aroma that is very earthy and can compare to mildew, or sweat, but trust me, it is strangely becoming and very intoxicating. You can smell a truffle from a few feet away but once shaven the aroma fully exposed floats in the air. The truffle purveyors save their largest truffles for the best Chefs and restaurants and they eventually end up on your plate; garnishing buttered pasta, risotto, pizza, steaks, burgers, and eggs.

To enjoy some of the best white Alba truffles in London visit Zafferano restaurant or check out London Fine Foods. New Yorkers are patiently waiting to savor white truffles but once they arrive, make sure you enjoy the best at Bouley Restaurant, Nougatine, and of course come visit me at  Cafe Boulud.

I wish you a happy truffle season. Bon appetite!

The white truffles in the photo featured come from Alba.