Contents
The Chinese truffle belongs to the conditionally edible species of the Truffle family. The taste of this representative is much worse than that of related counterparts, therefore it is not often used in cooking. Because of the tough pulp, the mushroom is not eaten raw.
What are Chinese truffles called?
Despite its name, this representative of the mushroom world was first discovered in India, and only 100 years later it was found in China. Since then, the species has only been exported from China. The mushroom has several names: Indian and Asian truffle.
What does Chinese truffle look like?
This forest inhabitant has a tuberous fruiting body up to 9 cm in diameter. The surface is ribbed, painted in dark gray or brown. On the dark brown pulp, a marble pattern is clearly visible. Reproduction occurs by large, slightly curved oval spores, which are in a brown powder.
Where does Chinese truffle grow?
This specimen grows in large groups underground, in the southwest of China. Prefers to grow next to oak, pine and chestnut. In single specimens, the species grows in the southern regions of Our Country.
Is it possible to eat Chinese truffle
This representative of the mushroom kingdom is conditionally edible. But because of the hard pulp, it is consumed only after heat treatment. The mushroom has a pleasant rich aroma that lasts for 5 days after ripening, and a nutty taste.
Chinese truffle is not recommended for children under 7 years old, people with kidney and liver diseases, pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with individual intolerance.
False doubles
The Chinese version has a similar counterpart. Perigorsky species is a valuable mushroom that grows in regions with a warm climate. The tuberous fruiting body is painted in deep black. The flesh of young specimens is light, with age it acquires a purple-gray color. The aroma is pleasant, rich, the taste is bitter-nutty. In cooking, they are used raw, since after heat treatment the mushroom loses its taste.
Rules for collection and use
Collecting this forest dweller is not an easy job, as it is located underground and forms on the roots of trees. Collection rules:
- Mushroom hunting takes place at night, the yellow midges that circle over mushroom places and lay larvae in the fruiting bodies are a guide. Also, mushroom pickers often take a specially trained dog with them. Sniffing the ground, she begins to dig in those places where this specimen grows.
- The domestic pig smells truffle aroma at 200-300 m. Therefore, Chinese farmers pick mushrooms with it. The main thing is to pull the animal away in time, as the truffle is the pig’s favorite delicacy.
- Mushroom pickers often use the method of tapping the soil. A void forms around an adult fruiting body, the earth becomes light and loose, therefore, when tapped, a ringing sound is made. This method requires a keen ear and a lot of experience from the mushroom picker.
After mushroom hunting, the harvested crop must be cleaned from the ground and boiled for 10-20 minutes. After that, crushed fruit bodies are added to sauces, soups, meat and fish dishes.
Conclusion
The Chinese truffle is classified as a conditionally edible species due to its hard pulp. It grows in warm regions, on the roots of deciduous and coniferous trees. In cooking, they are used to give a piquant taste, but only after heat treatment.