Truffle Oil

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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 is 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.

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.

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.


Linda's Favorite Recipes Using Truffle Oil

Asparagus with Truffle Oil Vinaigrette

Baked Truffled Brie en Croute

Goat Cheese and Truffle Oil Crostini

Grilled Shrimp with Truffle Oil Vinaigrette

Linguine with Black Truffles

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Truffles and Bourbon

Mixed Greens with Truffle Oil Dressing

Pasta with Poached Eggs and Truffle Oil

Potato Gratin with Truffle Oil

Risotto with Chives and Truffle Oil

Roasted New Potatoes with Truffle Oil

Truffle Butter

Truffle Custard

Truffled Eggs Toast

Truffled Mashed Potatoes

White Pizza


Questions from readers:

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.