Truffle Oil - What Is Truffle Oil?

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trufflesTruffles -The allure of truffles - It's all about the smell!

Learn about the famous Oregon Truffles
 

Did You Know?

  • That most women describe the aroma of fresh truffles and truffle oil as earthy and very sensual?

  • That most men just laugh and give you a funny look when you tell them what women think of truffles and truffle oil? Remember that I said most men and not all!

Truffle oil is like an aphrodisiac! One whiff and the seductive smell sends me to heaven! I have personally taken a poll of my lady friends, and most feel the same way I do. So, what are you waiting for? Give truffle oil a try in your cooking. It is so gourmet!

Truffle oil was originally created when truffles are soaked in olive oil. Before commercial truffle oil was introduced in the 1980s, chefs in Italy and France traditionally made their own by steeping tiny bits of fresh truffles in high-quality olive oil.


Storing Truffle Oil:
 

Bottled truffle oil loses aroma over time as it is a truffle extract infusion. This delicate oil loses characteristic aroma quickly, so store in the refrigerator. If you are a truffle fanatic, like me, you'll have no trouble using it before the aroma is weakened.

Most unrefined oils (oils obtained from cold pressing, mechanical methods) will keep for 3 to 6 months if properly stored in a cool dark location. The refrigerator is the best place to store unrefined oils and although most oils in the refrigerator. Since I started doing this, my truffle oil has not lost its aroma.
 

Fake Truffle Oil:

Imagine my surprise when I learned that most truffle oils are actually a chemical concoction, and that much of the truffle oil on the market today hasn’t actually been truffle infused, or made with any actual truffle.

I’ll admit it - I thought the oil was made from truffles, and that’s why I never minded paying the exorbitant price for it. But now? I’m feeling a little swindled and will not as freely spend money on it without first reading the label to check out the ingredients. If the label says "Truffle Essence" or "Truffle Aroma" or something like that , it is synthetic.

I also have to admit that this fact has not stopped me from enjoying the aroma of the oil and using it in my cooking, as it still smells earthy and very sensual. Also truffle oil is a lot cheaper than purchasing truffles! Let’s not abandon truffle oil, but just beware and know what you are buying. Chefs and diners should be informed of this fact and prices in restaurants should be adjusted accordingly.

The New York Times newspaper dated May 16, 2007, an article called "Hocus Pocus and a Beaker of Truffles," by Daniel Patterson went public with the information (which had been common knowledge in restaurant circles but was not well-known among consumers) that truffle oil is actually a chemical concoction made by mixing olive oil with various chemical compounds, such as 2,4-dithiapentane, that has been created in a laboratory which simulates the aroma and taste of white truffles.


Linda's Favorite Recipes Using Truffle Oil
Ways in which truffle oil can be used in your cooking are limited only by your imagination.
Be sure and try out some of my favorite recipes below.


Question:

We have been using our truffle oil more than usual and wonder if it gets old? My husband thinks it smells old, but I don’t. How long should it last and what should it smell like if it’s old? Thank you! - Rick (2/02/07)
 

Answer:

All edible oils will go rancid in time, as air, heat, light, and age affect the quality and the shelf life of edible oils, which deteriorate through oxidation (rancidity).

An unpleasant smell or taste indicates that the oil is no longer desirable for consumption. Let your nose be the guide in this. If it doesn’t smell right, discard it.  I, personally, store my truffle oil in the refrigerator. The oil will solidify in the refrigerator, but after taking out it, it will warm up.