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Black truffle is an edible representative of the Truffle family, belongs to marsupial mushrooms, is a close relative of morels. It can be found in the south of Our Country, in the Leningrad, Pskov, Moscow regions. To prepare a delicious mushroom dish, you need to know the external characteristics and learn the rules of collection.
What does a black truffle look like?
To have an idea of what a summer truffle looks like, you need to familiarize yourself with external data, view photos and videos. Characteristic features of the species:
- tuberous fungus has an uneven shape;
- the size of an adult specimen is at least 10 cm;
- the surface is furrowed, black, gray or dark brown;
- the pulp is dense, becomes loose as it grows;
- color yellow-gray or ocher-brown;
- a marble pattern is clearly visible on the cut;
- sweet, nutty taste;
- the aroma is rich, sometimes it is compared with the smell of algae or fallen leaves.
Reproduction occurs by oval spores, which are located in an ocher-brown powder.
Where does the black summer truffle grow?
Black truffle bears fruit throughout the warm period. In the southern regions, it grows until mid-November. The fruit body is located underground, at a depth of 15-25 cm. It prefers deciduous forests, grows in single specimens or in small groups.
The main regions of frequent and abundant fruiting are the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and the Crimea. In single copies, the summer black truffle can be found in the Leningrad, Pskov, Belgorod and Moscow regions.
Is it possible to eat summer black truffle
This representative of the forest kingdom is edible. Due to its strong pleasant aroma, it is often added to various dishes. But since it grows underground and is hard to find, its price is very high. Therefore, in order for mushroom hunting to be effective, you need to know the rules for collecting.
False doubles
The black summer mushroom resembles the valuable delicacy Perigord truffle. Distinctive characteristics:
- the rounded fruiting body is painted in deep black;
- the pulp is dense, fleshy;
- in young specimens, the marble pattern is colored light gray, becoming black-violet as it grows;
- the taste is bitter-nutty, the aroma is pleasant, rich.
Rules for collection and use
Collecting truffles is a difficult and difficult job, as this representative of the forest kingdom grows underground. Therefore, in order for mushroom hunting to be successful, mushroom pickers take a specially trained pig or dog to help. Animals, smelling the smell, begin to dig the ground, and the mushroom picker can only dig out the found prey.
Summer black truffle is considered a delicacy. Before cooking, the fruiting body is thoroughly cleaned of the earth with a brush. Since the species does not tolerate heat treatment, the mushroom is cut into thin plates or chips and placed on a cooked hot dish. After warming up, the pulp begins to give off a nutty flavor, giving the food a spicy flavor note.
The mushroom is used to make pates, sauces, fillings for pies. Truffles also perfectly complement meat, fish and seafood dishes. To preserve freshness and aroma for a long time, the mushroom crop can be frozen and preserved in cognac.
This forest dweller has useful properties. Helps:
- in gout;
- during depression;
- with eye diseases.
There are no contraindications for this type. The only exception is individual intolerance.
Conclusion
The black truffle is a delicacy rarely seen. Gathering is carried out at night, and in order for mushroom hunting to be successful, mushroom pickers often take a specially trained dog with them. Because of the pleasant nutty taste and smell, truffles are used to prepare various dishes.