Truffles are the fruiting bodies of a fungi that grow in the earth of forested areas.

Mother Nature, a force to be reckoned with

As far back as the 1800’s the French gourmet Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin called truffles “the diamond of the kitchen” and whilst France is known as the ‘truffles nation’ their production rapidly expanded throughout Europe. Now, whilst every one of the 200 available species has its own quirky necessities for growth, it seems evident that the traditional European environment is where they thrive, opting for warm summers, cold winters, a little frost and a reasonable, even rainfall throughout the year (but by the way not too much) all delivered consistently over a 7 – 10 year period please – which surely isn’t too much to ask? So, when mother nature decides to throw in a little quirkiness of her own, upping the temperatures, becoming less consistent in her seasons and escalating rainfalls at the most inopportune moments these climate inconsistencies result in the decline and even destruction of truffle crops.

Where there is adversity, there is also opportunity

The rise of temperatures and decline of rainfall across the globe, which scientists arguably refer to as the result of climate change, has seen a disruption to European crops causing havoc not only to supply but to their ever increasing price.

But where there is adversity, we must search for opportunity, and so whilst the decline in European crops has had an impact on truffle growing, it has also unlocked great opportunity for the truffle farming industry in America, as well as expanded into some unlikely localities such as UK, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and whilst a relatively new crop, rather successfully in the southern regions of Australia.

Rows of truffle trees in the orchard

The climate question is a complex one and purely considering temperatures and seasons could be taking a rather simplistic view. But when we take into account other influences such as soil conditions, farm design and water storage, we start to see quite clearly that Europe is going to face substantial challenges for truffle production in the coming years. The solution just may rest in American soil, where the future of truffle farming seems most hopeful.

Conception of the charlatan

The truffle industry is already compromised as the inferior Chinese grown product is creeping its way into the market with insinuations bouncing around that these Asian counterparts are being sprayed with synthetic aromas to make them smell like the real thing. But will the development into other countries result in the expansion of a charlatan or the production of a highly prized outcome that will become synonymous with its European counterpart? One thing we know for certain is that when it comes to mother nature – there are no certainties.

If you want to learn more about the distinctions of high quality truffles, make sure to read through.

The post Is Climate Tampering with the Temperamental Truffle? appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.

The rise of the knock-offs

A century ago the yearly find of truffles was around 2,000 tonnes, but now it’s currently down to a mere 30 tonnes. With countries like Italy, Dubai, Macau, China and the USA clamouring for the world record price, and chefs paying around $3,600 per pound, it’s no wonder a black market and inferior knock offs have emerged.

Dangerous business 

Not dissimilar to other illicit trade, the truffle business can be a clandestine business with location secrecy and tax evasion topping the list. The need for stealth in the truffle underworld gives rise to a significant number of exchanges occurring in remote and dark locations, often using a middle man and for cash. The legitimate European White Truffle is not immune to the same perils, as crafty producers smuggle inferior products across the border trying to pass them off as the real deal.

Once accomplishing the seedy exchange, and the delivery of any not-so-pure product back to the buyer, transporting your prized possession back to the restaurant is your next upheaval. Reports comprise of truffles stolen from vehicles and restaurants, muggings of vulnerable dealers robbed at gunpoint for cash and truffle or even followed home to be faced with a home invasion. Going beyond the human risk to include the innocent animals trained for years in the art of truffle discovery to be stolen or inhumanely poisoned by competing truffle hunters.

These examples are minor compared to when, in 2013, a German forestry worker hit by a car whilst detaining a gang of professional pickers for questioning. What’s more, 2010 gave way to an unprecedented shortage of black truffles in southern France ,which saw an intense crime wave develop. Two notorious incidents involved a gang using a stolen bulldozer to crash through the gates of a plantation in order to snatch truffles and truffle products. But the most infamous story of all was that of Ernest Pardo, shot dead by truffle producer Laurent Rambaud after he discovered Pardo on his property stealing his truffles.

Why so scarce?

Experts offer various suggestions behind the scarcity of truffles, with the most common being climate change. A decrease in rainfall and increase in temperatures means conditions for fungi growth are seriously hindered and despite their best efforts to improve conditions, it still takes 10 – 15 years for tree seedlings to bloom with fungi.

Although Europe recently passed laws to counter their truffieres from being infected with inferior truffles, there remains a genuine risk for European farmers that the spores from Chinese fakes will infect European soils. So it appears that for now, for as long as demand outstrips supply, the truffle mafia will continue to reign and that a shaving of this delicacy will continue to be granted only to the highest bidders.

Delve deeper into the world of truffles, call or email and schedule an appointment with Susan, or take a browse through our blog.

The post A Peek into the Clandestine Side of the Truffle World appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.

What’s the weather got to do with it?

Oh, you know, just surveying some truffle trees!

The journey of truffle farming is not an easy one, with weather as one of the main influences on growth. Truffles tend to grow right after heavy rains when the soil is damp. They grow in similar conditions to other fungi, shying away from extreme heat and freezing environments, preferring a stable temperature and sufficient drainage. Climate is crucial, too—with the right stable climate being where winters are cool and wet, and summers warm and dry, creating the perfect truffle growing habitat.

Truffles need a very particular environment to grow in because if this is disturbed in any way or conditions are far from perfect, the on-flow effect means truffles don’t grow as they should. All this decreases the harvest and pushes up the prices.

With the worldwide weather phenomena of climate change well and truly upon us, and temperatures continuing to rapidly increase, you can see why the weather is impacting the growth of truffles more than ever before.

What else impacts truffle prices?

Truffle pasta dishes are no gimmick but they sure will set you back.

It’s not just about the weather when it comes to truffle prices. There are a few more reasons behind truffle price variations:

1. Unpredictability

Truffles are natural products with unpredictable growth patterns and growing seasons, keeping the supply just as unpredictable and the demand, incredibly high.

2. Man Labor

Because they grow off of tree roots underground, truffles are quite difficult to locate and would often require truffle hunters with specially trained dogs to be harvested. They traditionally used pigs—until it was discovered that dogs are easier to manage and far less likely to eat their truffle finds (we don’t blame them for being unable to resist). And because a single truffle hunter with a dog can only find a small amount, hiring more truffle hunters with dogs is imperative to ensure that maximum truffle quantity is collected.

3. Time

Truffles have a relatively short shelf life. Sure, they keep for weeks when stored properly but their aroma and flavor halve in 4-5 days. And being 70% water, they lose 2-3% of their precious moisture each day they’re out of the ground, causing them to grow out of their prime too quickly. To combat this, fresh truffles need to be delivered to restaurants and distributors within 36 hours of harvest; and the cost to pull that off almost always adds up.

There are plenty of cost drivers behind the price variations of truffles—from weather and unpredictability, down to truffle hunters with dogs who go to extra lengths to find and harvest them, and the overall race against time. Despite the hefty price tag, however, the market for truffles is constantly growing—with not only the best chefs but also home cooks all over the world, purchasing and experimenting with them in their kitchen.

Want to learn more about the wonders of truffles? Browse through our blog to get started.

The post Truffles and Their Price Tags: Why Do They Change? appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.

What are summer truffles?

Summer truffles (tuber aestivum) or burgundy truffles (tuber uncinatum) are species of truffles found in most European countries. They grow below ground in open woodlands—with bare areas around the base of the tree (called brule or burnt area) as good indicators of their presence. Largest of the truffle varieties, summer truffles open the truffle season with a harvest time that stretches from May to August. 

With a brown to black outer skin covered in big, bumpy warts, summer truffles sure resemble black winter truffles. But while they carry an intense aroma that is reminiscent of hazelnuts, they are far more subtle than their winter counterpart. In terms of flavor, it is nowhere near potent, making them perfect for use as garnish.

How to make the most of them?

Summer truffles’ unique versatility and approachable flavor make them an ideal complement to a variety of dishes. Their texture makes a lively addition to salads, vegetables, and grilled and roasted meats like chicken and steak. When it comes to pairing, they work really well with light-bodied vinegars, mascarpone, citrus, and aged hard cheeses, as well as caviar, fois gras, lobster, and creamy pasta dishes. If you’re keen to intensify the flavor, just add a dash of white truffle oil. Or perhaps you want a luxurious way of eating it? Just add shavings. Summer truffles are so good, it can elevate practically any dish.

Additionally, summer truffles can also come as preserved truffle products, often in the form of oils, salts, and honey. If you have some fresh ones, though, that you’re saving for fresh eating, you can make them last by keeping them lightly wrapped in paper towels. This helps absorb the moisture, ultimately preventing mold. If mold develops (typically after 5 days of refrigeration), however, remove the mold the same way you would on cheese products, and immediately freeze the truffle for up to a year.

Get cookin’.

With a flavor that explodes on the tastebuds and an aroma that is truly intoxicating, summer truffles make a perfect ingredient to bring indulgence to your next dish. Check out these easy-to-follow truffle recipes for a solid start. Or if you’re ready to get cooking, summer truffles are available through our website or by calling 877-455-1875. Get in touch with us today to inquire about prices.

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It’s All About Spore Dispersal

In the world of fungi, as with much of the natural world, it’s all about reproduction in order for the species to continue on. However, the problem for most plants and fungi is that they are stuck in one spot and can’t spread the spores which enable reproduction themselves. They must rely on exterior factors to help them reproduce.

What are spores?

Spores are tiny microscopic particles which are formed by fungi to enable reproduction of more fungi. They are much like seeds, as when they are embedded in their new home and provided with the right conditions, they will grow. This spread of spores is essential to the survival of many fungi species, especially those which thrive underground.

So how are the spores spread?

Spores can be carried by wind to a new location, however a more efficient way is through other organisms such as insects and animals. Spores will be transferred to their bodies via them eating the fungi or picked up externally when the insect lands on it. The spores are then carried to the next plant or location which the insect or animal visits.

Evolving fungi

Insects, which disperse these fungal spores, are attracted to light. Therefore it’s only natural that fungi which need their spores dispersed have evolved to produce light in order to attract insects.

In fact, this scientific study found that mushrooms have evolved over time to glow in the dark and maximize their attraction of insects at night time which could potentially carry more spores elsewhere. This light is regulated by a circadian rhythm, which allows their glow to peak when it’s dark, and go away when it’s day time. How’s that for natural evolution!

Truffles and Their Aroma

Other fungi such as truffles use different methods to attract potential spore carriers. Pigs and squirrels for example are highly attracted to the aroma which truffles give off by no accident. By finding, consuming, and digesting the truffles, their spores can easily be transferred to new locations when they are excreted. In fact, wild truffles completely depend on this method in order to get themselves to grow in new locations.

Of course, it’s not that simple to grow truffles, you also need the right environment and trees which will support them, however the aroma produced by the truffles increases their chances of being eaten and ‘dropped’ in the right location.

Browse through our blog today to find out more about truffles, their history, and handy recipes to cook them up in.

The post Why Do Some Mushrooms Glow in the Dark? appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.

Deer and Bears

Deer have the advantage of safely being able to consume many fungi and mushrooms which would normally be poisonous to humans.

Although bears are known for eating fish, rodents and other meat, they are actually omnivores which means they also like to eat plants, tree roots, and you guessed it – fungi. During summer they especially enjoy uncovering tree roots, tubers and mushrooms.

Rabbits and Squirrels

A squirrel’s diet is mainly made up of nuts and acorns, flowers, fruits, berries, and grass. However, squirrels also love truffle-like fungi, digging them up from the ground and leaving them to dry on tree limbs before eating them.

Rabbits also love to dig up fungi, providing them with rich nutrients which they could otherwise miss through mainly consuming grass. Squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals and rodents which eat these fungi contribute to the ecosystem by helping to spread the spores and seeds from fungi and plants.

Slugs and Insects

Slugs and insects are attracted to the most nourishing foods such as greens and forest fruits, and therefore to mushrooms also. This relationship also enables the forest to continue its lifecycle of new growth and decay.

Some types of insects such as flies and snails help to decay wood, leaves, and waste materials so that the forest can continue to grow through the decomposing debris which falls from the trees. This allows more shoots to sprout through the forest floor and they cycle to continue.

Pigs and Wild Boars

Pigs and wild boars love the moist environment of the forest floor; however, they find it hard to travel for food in the colder months. This is why they choose to dig down for their food instead of move around, especially in winter. Fungi are the perfect solution!

Pigs and boars have the best noses when it comes to finding delicious truffles below the surface of the ground. For this reason, pigs have been used to locate truffles by humans throughout history. However, pigs find it hard to control their appetite for truffles and therefore humans have turned to specially trained dogs to hunt down truffles instead. Dogs are easier to train when it comes to not eating the truffles once found!

Truffles are of high value for many species

There is a tremendous diversity of animals known to instinctively consume fungi in order to gain valuable energy. And while some exclusively eat fungi and truffle-like fungi (mainly insects), there are others that eat it as part of their wider diet just like humans do.

Browse through our blog today to learn more about truffles or shop our online store for an ultimate truffle experience.

The post From Bears to Boars: Animals That Love Mushrooms Like We Do appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.

A New Type of Cone

Hong Kong’s egg waffles have become the newest, most adorable ice cream trend.

Waffle cones, flavored waffle cones, and fun-shapes are impressing ice cream lovers and becoming an Insta-worthy sensation. You can get fresh waffle cones with chocolate chips or other flavors and colors to complement your favorite ice cream flavor. Whilst Taiyaki, a popular Japanese waffle cone shaped like a koi fish, is quickly becoming popular with food bloggers worldwide.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Don’t let your imagination stop at traditional biscuits to sandwich your ice cream. We’ve seen ice cream sandwiches made with donuts, cronuts, croissants, cupcakes, cookies, fruit slices, cakes, marshmallow and macarons, layered decadently, dipped in chocolate, and crusted with crushed nuts, sprinkles, chocolate shavings or honeycomb.

An International Sensation

Straight out of Thailand is a rolled ice cream trend that is gaining traction all around the world. Liquid ice cream is poured over a frozen metal surface, then it’s mixed with your favorite add-ins such as chocolate chips, fruit, or candy right before your eyes. Once blended through, the flat ice cream is scraped off the frozen plate and into a roll. It’s then served in a cup or on a plate with toppings and/or sauce. Genius!

A Healthy Kick

Coconut ice cream’s melt-in-the-mouth creaminess is everything.

Think turmeric latte, green tea and matcha, ginger, avocado, coconut, yogurt, and vegan ice cream, sweetened naturally with honey or raw sugar. With a health-conscious population on the rise, these superfood flavors are ensuring that our favorite treat can be enjoyed guilt-free and with maximum nutrition and health benefits galore. These foods are good for you, as well as add a bit of variety to the old flavors you may be used to.

Savory Ice Cream Worth Savoring

Savory flavors of bacon, wasabi pea, sweet corn, chili, cheddar cheese, curry, and balsamic vinegar are making an appearance on popular menus. Why not also try interesting herb flavors such as rosemary, basil, coriander, thyme, or sage?

And adding weight to the argument that sweet and savory are a perfect combination is truffle ice cream. Truffle ice cream is making an appearance in some of the world’s top restaurants in a variety of different ways. It’s being served over tarts, quiches, and savory puddings, or with white chocolate and hazelnuts, or as a stand-alone dessert. Would you try it?

Visit our online truffle shop today for some culinary gems that are guaranteed to add an unforgettable impact to your next food experience, or browse through our blog for more fun, seasonal activities to do.

The post Cooler Than Ever: 5 Ice Cream Trends to Try This Summer appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.

What is food poisoning?

Eat hot food within two hours of serving to avoid food poisoning.

Food poisoning is commonly caused by toxins, bacteria or viruses found in food. Some examples include salmonella, listeria, norovirus, and E. coli. These might already be present in food or they may grow on the food due to the environment. Once affected food is ingested, food poisoning symptoms may occur such as abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. If you think you have food poisoning, it’s important to see your doctor or emergency department immediately.

Wash your hands.

The first rule for avoiding food poisoning is to make sure your hands are clean before and after food preparation, especially if you are handling raw meat. Wash hands with soap and warm water thoroughly.

Avoid cross-contamination.

Raw meat is a potential carrier for bacteria, especially if left out of the fridge for too long. Wash utensils that have been in contact with raw meat, chicken, fish or eggs. It’s also important to never put cooked food into a container that has had raw meat in it without washing well in between. You should also use a different chopping board for meat-only.

Immediately wash utensils that have contacted raw meat.

Stick to used-by dates.

Do not eat leftovers which have been in the fridge for longer than 48 hours. Never eat foods which have passed their used-by date or that appear to have torn or broken packaging. If you are unsure about the food, don’t serve or consume it, especially if it smells funny or looks off in color.

Thaw foods properly.

The safest way to thaw foods is in the fridge. However, if you are after a quicker thaw, you can do so by submerging your meat in a sealed bag in cold water. You can also thaw food in the microwave. In each case, you will need to cook the food immediately after thawing.

Take care of the hot food.

When serving hot food, ensure it’s eaten within two hours or if not, remove from the table and refrigerate. If the temperate is above 30 degrees, it shouldn’t be out for longer than an hour.

Keep cold food cold.

Cold foods such as cheese or dairy items should be kept at four degrees or cooler and served on an ice tray or in small portions and replaced often. You can use nets and covers for food to help deter insects such as flies.

Keeping hot food hot, cold food cold, keeping food out of the sun, eating food immediately after cooking, avoiding cross-contamination, and keeping a clean food preparation area will help you avoid nasty food poisoning this summer. Click through for more specific food handling advice from the US Department of Agriculture, or browse through our blog for more food tips and advice.

The post 6 Essential Hacks to Avoid Food Poisoning appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.

Find out some spring must-have’s, quick spring-time tips, and entertaining essentials for the season ahead in our latest blog.

Spring time is nature’s way of saying “Let’s party!”

Fantastic lighting

Prepare some candles, lanterns, torches, fairy lights or garden lights for a whimsical effect in the garden during dusk and night time. Add some incense burners to give off a beautiful scent and light some insect repellent burners to ensure the bugs are kept at bay.

Delicious cocktails

It’s not a proper party without a drink in hand! We recommend hiring a designated bar person to pour drinks. Often the host will be stuck pouring drinks for guests when their time is better spent enjoying the company and socializing. Otherwise, keep drinks simple so you have less to worry about and more time to mingle.

A springtime scene

Set the scene with bright and fresh décor, including the springtime essential – flowers. Brightly colored and seasonal flowers are one of the easiest ways to make an impact. Aim to choose flowers of similar color hues to what you already have in your home or brighten things up with a pop of yellow. Garlands are also all the rage this spring, so why not try string an ivy across the table or countertop and weave through some beautiful roses or daisies?

Truffle pasta – a simple and luxurious dish to crave for.

Outstanding food

Ever walk away from a party thinking ‘wow!’ about a particular dish? Create something for your guests to talk about with an outstanding dish packed full of flavor and/or a story behind it. Ideas could include adding a touch of truffle to your pasta salad, truffle oil for the bread basket, truffle popcorn in small boxes, or even a dessert station that wows guests as they help themselves.

Spreading out some dry finger food and snacks apart from each other is also a good idea so as to avoid a crowd at the food station.

Fun Activities

If you’ve got some garden space to spare, set up some fun games such as ring toss, giant Jenga, potato sack races, face painting, football, or other sports gear.

Good music

One thing that many hosts forget is the music. Avoid any awkward silence by setting up some speakers outside to play during the event. This can easily be done with Apps such as Spotify or iTunes on a mobile device.

Use what you’ve got

If you have a great outdoor area, pool, or patio – use it! With the warm weather there is no excuse not to keep the party outside, avoid mess inside, and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

Springtime is prime time for throwing garden parties or any other special gatherings, and the weather is almost always just perfect to enjoy time outside with family and friends! Browse through our blog today for more seasonal activities & party ideas.

The post The Essential Guide to Easy, Breezy Spring Entertaining appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.

Picnicking outdoors is a wonderful idea to refresh your mind and body.

The weather is warmer, the sun is out longer, and nature is in full bloom. It must be time for a family spring picnic! After all, picnics are all about enjoying your loved ones’ company and making wonderful memories. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to throw the ultimate family spring picnic.

Tip 1: Go all out to make it special.

Don’t be scared of setting the scene within a beautiful outdoor space. Think cute picnic rugs, blankets, a teepee or tent, sun shade umbrella, some wooden crates as small tables, and even pillows. You can even create a garden, Moroccan, or country theme. This added effort will not only add to the feel of the picnic, but will contribute to comfort levels, look great in photos, and of course add to the long-lasting memories of a fantastic family picnic.

Tip 2: Location, location, location.

Choose a fun and practical location for your picnic. Whether it’s a park, amongst the trees in a forest, by the sea, next to a lake, or at the top of a scenic vantage point, it’s a good idea to select a place where guests can easily access a bathroom, that has some shade, where guests can park cars close by, and potentially has a playground for children to play or a space to play games.

Spend sunny afternoons playing croquet.

Tip 3: It’s all fun and games!

Part of the fun of a picnic is that you have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Plan some games and share the responsibility of who brings what. Bocce, croquet, cricket, football, trivia games, cards, and ring toss are just a few fun games the family can play whilst enjoying the picnic and bonding.

Tip 4: Picnic survival essentials.

Don’t forget a few essential items to make your life easier during the picnic. Sunscreen, utensils, cutlery, tea towels, napkins, and sun hats are a must. Whilst insect spray and food nets will help to keep any bugs at bay and out of the food.

Bring some ice or an ice bucket to keep drinks and food cool, and of course – don’t forget to play some music to set the scene perfectly.

Tip 5: Graze all day.

Picnics are all about grazing rather than eating one big meal. Provide a wide variety of small nibbles that can easily be laid out and eaten at leisure. Small doses of foods with big flavors work well, and add crackers, breads, cheeses and delicious snacks. Think about what you’d put on your perfect platter of food, such as olives, quince paste, grapes, and dried fruits. You may also want to make some mini quiches or a frittata that can be easily cut into slices and served up as something a little more substantial, healthy, and sure to make an impression on the family.

And of course, don’t forget plenty of water and a sneaky bottle of champagne or wine!

Spring is one of the best times to get outdoors, throw down a picnic rug, and feast on yummy treats with the family. Browse through our blog today for more fun ways on how to step into spring.

The post 5 Tips for Throwing the Perfect Family Spring Picnic appeared first on Susan Alexander Truffles.