Truffles are an old story
Truffles are mentioned in Babylonian writings, and were highly prized by the Romans. Cicero even dubbed it "the child of the earth". In the Middle Ages, the truffle was neglected, as growing underground, it was associated with the devil's territory. However, in the Renaissance, it resurfaced withthe reputation of a powerful aphrodisiac, to the point that King François I was so fond of it, which helped to popularize it. It must also have worked on the sex front, as the French king had many mistresses, and was very fond of "the fairer sex";
Truffle harvesting in the Middle Ages / Illustration chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : By Unknown XIVe in Tacuina sanitatis - http://www.istitutograf.org/immagini/tartufo3_big.jpg, Domaine public, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18465423
There are several types of truffle
Truffles are actually a family of mushrooms with different edible varieties. Of the six main varieties, the most sought-after is the rare and precious white truffle. There's also the famous Périgord black truffle, melanosporum, and the uncinatum truffle from Burgundy, Lorraine and Champagne. Lorraine is also renowned for its mesenteric truffle, which is resistant to cooking and was once a favorite of the palate before being supplanted by the Périgord truffle.
Good truffles are often French truffles / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos.
How are truffles harvested?
Truffles are harvested using dogs or pigs, trained to spot their unique scent underground. Flies are also used for their scent. While research is progressing, the controlled cultivation of truffles remains a challenge.
What does truffles mean in the kitchen?
In the kitchen, truffles are an extraordinary ingredient. A few slices are enough to flavour a dish. So, even if it's rather expensive, a little truffle is all you need to do a lot of good things. For example, simply enclose a truffle in an airtight tin with butter, pasta, rice or eggs, to infuse its fragrance without even cutting it. It's also delicious slipped under the skin of poultry in demi-deuil for an intense flavor. In terms of nutrition, truffles provide fiber and enzymes that aid digestion. In fact, truffles, with their intense flavor and rich nutritional content, are the epitome of culinary luxury: just a few grams are enough to transform a dish into an unforgettable experience.
