Truffle Oil

White Truffle Oil vs Black Truffle Oil 

Truffle oil is top-quality olive oil that has been infused with either white or black truffles.  Both types of truffles have an earthy, mushroom flavor.  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 they own by steeping tiny bits of fresh truffles in high-quality olive oil.

 

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?  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

 

Cooking with Truffle Oil:

Truffle oil is a finishing oil not a cooking oil – truffle oil is created when truffles are soaked in olive oil.  Used to enhance foods by adding to them after preparation.

Truffle oils are generally not used in cooking, as the heat adulterates their flavors.  Either white or black truffle oil may be used in any dish, but the only difference is how you use the truffle oil.

Truffle oil is more of a flavoring or seasoning (that gives a burst of flavor) and should only be used lightly on your foods or dishes.  The best use for truffle oil is summed up in three words – drizzle over foods.  Experiment by adding a little truffle oil to some of your favorite dishes.

 

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 will 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.  Since I started doing this, my truffle oil has maintained its aroma much longer.

 


 

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 has not 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 am 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.  Examine the labels!  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, in 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.

Solution:  When purchasing truffle oil, carefully check the label and look for the words “infused with truffles” on the label.

 


 

Black Truffles

Truffles – It’s all about the smell!

Learn about the famous Oregon Truffles

For centuries, truffles have been said to possess mystical aphrodisiac powers.  What is it about truffles that make them so irresistible to gourmet cooks?  Why this allure?  It is all in the particular odor of a few types of truffles.

Connoisseurs actually consider truffles an aphrodisiac, but there is no scientific evidence to this claim. Some describe their smell as musky, earthy, pungent, or even sexy, although none of these terms adequately describe the odor.  Once you have smelled a truffle, you long to smell it again and again.

To purchase Oregon Black Truffles and Oregon White Truffles, click on the underlined.

 



Linda’s Favorite Recipes Using White Truffle Oil and Black Truffle Oil


Ways in which Truffle Oils can be used in your cooking are limited only by your imagination.  Be sure and try out some of my favorite recipes below:

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

Truffle Butter

Truffle Custard

Truffled Eggs Toast

Truffled Mashed Potatoes

White Pizza

 


 

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.

 

Comments and Reviews

5 Responses to “Truffle Oil”

  1. Von Smith

    Two questions:

    1. Would freezing extend the shelf life of the oil?
    2. Would you normally use an ice cube’s worth of oil on most dishes?

    Reply
    • Linda Stradley

      Oils will turn rancid (over time) and refrigeration retards the process. I, personality, keep oils at room temperature (in a dark place) that I use all the time, and specialty oils (such as truffle, hazelnut, and sesame oils) stay in my refrigerator. Truffle oil is tolerant of cold, and can even be frozen. I have never frozen oils myself so I can not really answer your question. – Linda Stradley

      Reply
  2. Diana Cook

    What meat can you use black truffle oil on

    Reply
  3. Diana Cook

    When do you use it while meat cooking or finished

    Reply
  4. MaryJane

    Hello, I’m just trying white Truffle oil for the first time. I have a small bottle that is sold as a “spritz.” Since I have not had any other truffle oil to compare it with, I’m wondering if the spritz is a lighter version of a full bodied truffle oil or is the strength the same? I’m asking because I tried it on a salad and thought it tasted very light but I’ve always heard it was a strong flavor and you only needed a few drops but I was spritzing away, and it never seemed that strong.

    Reply

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