Black summer truffles / Tuber aestivum vitt.

Black summer truffles , Tuber aestivum, are found from May to September. They grow at low altitude in lowland forests in Romania. In season, the price per kilogram of fresh black truffles is lower compared to other types of truffles. Romanian fresh truffles are also highly appreciated internationally.

On the outside, black summer truffles, Tuber aestivum, resemble black autumn truffles, being black in color and polygonal in shape. The inside of the truffle is yellowish-gray in color, with white veins like a spider web. Towards the end of summer, the interior becomes darker brown. Summer truffles have a delicate, discreet flavor reminiscent of porcini mushrooms mixed with hints of garlic, chocolate and hazelnuts.

The black summer truffle is not as strongly flavored as the white truffle, but has a subtle, pleasant aroma.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store fresh black truffles in the refrigerator (1-3 degrees) for 7- 10 days in a glass container in a generous layer of rice or individually wrapped in a paper towel. Truffle should remain dry for best quality and flavor. Replace the paper towel regularly every 2-3 days to prevent moisture buildup. Fresh forest truffles can be frozen for 3 – 6 months, but some of the flavor will be lost in the process.

EAT

Clean from impurities under a cold running stream of water with a special brush. Summer truffles are suitable to flavor raw or cooked dishes. The truffle is used in grated or thinly sliced form and is added at the end of the thermal preparation of food so as not to diminish the truffle flavor.