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akb112211
Stranger

Registered: 09/10/07
Posts: 852
Loc: UKUSANetherlands
Last seen: 9 years, 2 months
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truffle problem
#7788357 - 12/22/07 09:35 AM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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So, the other day, my wife bought a black truffle for £6 at the market. It was about the size of a large walnut. She was going to give it to me for Christmas, but I ruined her surprise because I told her I bought one today.
So, on to the problem. She said it didn't smell so great when she bought it but she figured it was just dirt and stuff on the outside. So, she lightly cleaned it off and put it in oil. Then after a day or two said it smelled putrid. She took it out of the oil, and thoroughly cleaned it with a brush and some brandy. So, since the gift idea was ruined, she showed it to me submerged in oil. I opened the jar and was knocked onto the floor by the awful smell! I tried cleaning the thing off thinking the surface of the thing was dirty, then cut it in half. It must have been rotting throughout. (good thing I'm not getting that as a gift in a few days)
So, basically she was ripped off. The guy(kid) working at the stall said it was the last one, and there wouldn't be anymore(not true). The thing was spongy(and even spongier today). I understand that they should be pretty hard.
I bought one today, despite the pleadings of someone(a guy who is quite knowledgable in fungi) who said not to. It is smaller(slightly smaller than an oblong golf ball). I paid £4.00.
So, my question is this... How do I store it? In oil? (dry it before putting it in oil?) Should I cut it up and dry it?
I imagine that it is very similar to a regular mushroom, in that the longer it is moist and wet, the more likely it is to rot.
Will I lose the aromatics if it is dried?
If anyone can answer these general questions, that would be great! thanks!
-------------------- "There never was and never will be, Nor is there now, The wholly criticized Or the wholly approved"
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greys
OTD Sergeant at Arms



Registered: 07/16/06
Posts: 44,923
Loc: nunya
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Re: truffle problem [Re: akb112211]
#7788468 - 12/22/07 10:23 AM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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store it covered in a bowl of eggs.....the fragrance will penetrate right through the shells. make some scrambled eggs with these- youll be in heaven.
most truffles are shaved over risotto etc
you could make oil...white truffles are best for that though.
shaving them and whipping them with good quality butter , then storing for a day or two before use will extend your usage.
are you sure it was rotten? truffles have an extremely strong fragrance?
i usually get at least 7 days shelflife out of a fresh one....i have never had one go bad because i consume them so fast.
where was this truffle harvested? the chinese product isnt worth the money in my experience.
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akb112211
Stranger

Registered: 09/10/07
Posts: 852
Loc: UKUSANetherlands
Last seen: 9 years, 2 months
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Re: truffle problem [Re: greys]
#7788675 - 12/22/07 11:48 AM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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I was told by a friend that these are most likely from china. Hence, the low price on them.
I really just wanted to try it out. To be honest, this particular market stall(the only one with good wild fungi) is quite expensive and the vendors are not very friendly or helpful.
The egg idea is fantastic. I'm gonna do that for sure. Thanks. I may store some in some risotto rice, use it, then shave a bit on top. I'll think of some other things to do as well. And yes, the first one was indeed rotten. No mistaking that. I finally got the smell off of my hands. The smell was a mixture of dog shit and rotting cabbage. Even if truffles were supposed to smell like that, I would have to draw the line there. (plus, we have eaten many truffle infused foods in the past and this was just not it)
Yes some French cheeses smell god awful(or do they sit on the line of really bad and really good at the same time) Some people like the wet dog-smell of aged salami casings others don't. I kind of like it for some reason.
Anyway, back to the truffle. To be honest, I would like to consume half of it and dry and conserve the rest. But, actually, why not just enjoy it as it is. We have some white truffle oil that will last a couple months.
Thanks for the advice.
By the way, just read the wikipedia and a couple other links in regards to these things...Just learned a thing or two...Oh yeah, didn't realise my oil is probably not the real thing!
-------------------- "There never was and never will be, Nor is there now, The wholly criticized Or the wholly approved"
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greys
OTD Sergeant at Arms



Registered: 07/16/06
Posts: 44,923
Loc: nunya
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Re: truffle problem [Re: akb112211]
#7788780 - 12/22/07 12:20 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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if you buy the italian white truffle oil...it will be the real thing. italians dont fuck around when it comes to food.
i love truffles and have tried the chinese product over and over again hoping for the best only to be disappointed.
if the vendors arent helpful at the place where youre getting these i wouldnt buy from them anymore.
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akb112211
Stranger

Registered: 09/10/07
Posts: 852
Loc: UKUSANetherlands
Last seen: 9 years, 2 months
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Re: truffle problem [Re: greys]
#7789160 - 12/22/07 01:57 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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Good point regarding the Italian oil, but sometimes even that stuff will list as one of their ingredients, essenza di tartufo.."truffle essence" That makes me wonder.
On another note, I have thrown away/ used for cooking some supermarket truffle oil that has completely lost its flavor and smell. It seems to turn bitter. I wonder if its the real thing or not. Also, these oils were well before their expiry date. Stored properly and everything.
I agree, I really don't appreciate unhelpful people and will stop supporting them. It really seems like they are tapping into a "wild mushroom market" but don't really care about them.
Next time you eat the chinese ones, lower your expectations...then you won't be disappointed;)
Ok, enough talk, time to try 'em out. thanks again.
-------------------- "There never was and never will be, Nor is there now, The wholly criticized Or the wholly approved"
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