Truffle salt, otherwise known as black truffles or white truffles, is a delicacy that's all the rage with celebrities and foodies. Real truffles, however, has all actual, natural pieces of truffles, nothing else will be flavored with artificial chemicals.
Like truffle oil, black truffles are most commonly used in the restaurant as a finishing touch. With just a little bit of black truffles, you can enhance the flavor of almost anything you cook with. Black truffles are also great as table salt or an essential ingredient in many meals.
When you buy black truffles, it is important to make sure they're real. Many people buy them in the name-brand variety, which usually has all sorts of chemicals and preservatives. Instead, buy what's called a "true" black truffle.
There are several types of truffles, but the most popular are those made with the traditional type of ingredients like fresh fruit, cheese, nuts, chocolate, caramel, and dried herbs. These tend to have a more subtle flavor and are best suited to a sophisticated palate. The more exotic the flavors of the truffles, the harder it is for some people to actually eat them.
You can find truffles in most stores, and many people will tell you that they taste better when they are homemade. If you're really adventurous though, you may find that you can get some decent quality black truffles by ordering them online from places like eBay and Amazon.
If you really want authentic truffles, make sure you get them fresh. Most salted truffles are made from refined oils and processed sugars. These may give you the feeling of an exotic desert, but they're not as good as the real thing. Most people prefer their truffles to be made from a natural sugar and flavor combination of fresh fruit and herbs.
The flavors of truffles are also affected by the cooking process that created them. Hot oil is more likely to produce a richer flavor, while baking preserves deeper flavors. These differences are usually easy to detect as you're tasting the truffles, so just pay attention to the way they taste when they're being prepared.
To keep your black truffles fresh, make sure they're stored in airtight containers. Don't store them near anything acidic as this will cause discoloration. Keep them in a cool and dry place where they can air dry.
Salt is also important to keep your truffles from losing their taste. When you store them in the refrigerator, this causes their flavor to lose. In order to retain their taste, store them in a sealed container or plastic bag.
Another important element in a black truffle salt collection is to use it sparingly. Most recipes that call for salt will tell you to sprinkle a bit over your truffles right before serving. This will give your guests an opportunity to sample your creation and help them decide if it's worth trying at all.
Truffles will go well with a wide variety of foods, but some people swear by their use on cheesecake for example. You may be able to find a recipe for a cheesecake with black truffles that makes them taste even better. Try a few variations of different recipes and see which ones work best with your favorite dessert.
My favorite is using truffles as a garnish on ice cream. They're just the perfect touch of sweetness and can add a little bit of spiciness to a dessert.
The key is to use truffles sparingly in moderation and to use them in moderation, in order to avoid having too much in your kitchen. If you need a lot of truffle salt in your kitchen, don't hesitate to buy some bulk from a specialty food store. Some of the larger suppliers sell them in small boxes, as well.