White truffles and black truffles: two varied hemispheres of scents and flavours. But what are the other differences between these two types of truffles? 

 

Nine: these are the best-known, edible, and marketable truffle varieties.

Two: families. That of the white truffle and that of the black truffle.

So many: universes of flavour and shades of colour.

 

Don’t worry, we are not making jokes. We simply want to tell you about this extraordinary hypogeous mushroom, which can amaze with its uniqueness and ever-changing flavours, and at the same time make the matter a little clearer. 

In fact, often those who approach the world of truffles for the first time are overwhelmed by the number of truffles out there and the different characteristics of each one. 

For this reason, we have decided to give you a small guide to illustrate the differences between black and white truffles, even for the uninitiated. Let’s discover them together!

 

The differences between white and black truffles

Leaving aside the colour aspect, which allows us to immediately distinguish between members of the two families, we can say that another of the main differences between black and white truffles is the variety. 

 

There are only two edible varieties in the white truffle family: the Precious White Truffle  and the Whitish Truffle.

 

The black truffle family is different: in this large family we find several varieties, ranging from the Black Precious to the Scorzone, from the Brumale Truffle to the Black Winter / Autumn Truffle. 

 

Truffle differences: how they are used in cooking

 

How are truffles used in cooking? One of the main differences between black and white truffles lies in their use.

 

In fact, black truffles, unlike white truffles, have the characteristic of not losing their flavour during cooking. 

A Precious White Truffle will only be at its best when raw, grated on a plate or added in flakes as a finishing touch, but never cooked. In fact, if one makes the serious mistake of cooking it, it will lose all of its flavour: that unique, slightly garlicky taste reminiscent of fermented cheese, with a spicy note that nonetheless fades, revealing an aftertaste reminiscent of honey. 

The main difference between black and white truffle is here: a black truffle, in fact, whether in the Black Precious or Brumale or Uncinato version, will not suffer if it is added to a recipe while cooking, provided of course that this is not too “violent”. 

In fact, we must always remember that the truffle is a delicate and precious ingredient that must be treated with delicacy to allow it to reveal all its universes of flavour. 

The difference in flavour between white and black truffles

 

Speaking of aroma and flavour, here we come to another important difference between the black and white truffle. 

 

We mentioned earlier the aroma and flavour of the White Precious Truffle: unique and extraordinary, with different nuances ranging from garlic to fermented cheese.  Even in the case of another white truffle, such as the Marzuolo, we find these notes, but they are much more pronounced than those of the White Precious. 

 

The difference in flavour between white and black truffles is stark. 

The Black Precious Truffle has a more pleasant and delicate aroma than the white truffle and a sweet aftertaste, reminiscent of chocolate and honey. 

On the other hand, the scent of Scorzone is reminiscent of roasted barley malt, while the flavour is more delicate and tends more toward mushroom than that of Precious Black Truffle. 

And the Brumale Truffle, another member of the black truffle family? The latter, in contrast to the Black Precious, has a strong flavour and aroma, reminiscent of hazelnut and almond notes. 

 

Each truffle has a scent and flavour of its own, allowing connoisseurs to recognise them even by their smell. The difference between the taste and smell of white and black truffles is, therefore, another important aspect that distinguishes these two families. 

 

Black and White Truffle: the differences in value

 

Last but not least, how can we forget another fundamental difference between white and black truffles? We are talking about their importance in terms of quality.

 

White and black truffles also differ in this respect. 

In fact, the Precious White Truffle requires a specific habitat to grow and cannot be cultivated in artificial truffle grounds. 

This is why, in addition to its rarity and extraordinary taste, it is considered the most prized truffle of all, unlike the Precious Black Truffle (the most prized within the black truffle family) which, on the other hand, can be cultivated with good growth results.

 

So, here we are at the end of our brief journey into the differences between white and black truffles. But of course, the differences between truffles only reaffirm a simple truth: each truffle, once brought to the table, will give you the originality and unrepeatable uniqueness of its taste and scent, in an explosion of flavours that are occasionally delicate or decisive, overwhelming, or graceful. 

In short: whether a white truffle or a black truffle, your journey into this universe has just begun.