Reno, NV – Black truffles are most commonly associated with France, and the celebrated Perigord truffle region, where black truffles are in season from early December until mid to late March. In contrast, black truffles from Australia, a country with seasons opposite of the Northern hemisphere, are in season from early June to mid August, with peak maturity from mid July to mid August.
According to Mirepoix USA, a leading online purveyor of specialty gourmet foods and traditional French foods, Australian black truffles are the exact same species as the famous French Perigord black truffles (Tuber melanosporum), offering parallel aroma intensity and flavor profile. Mirepoix USA’s premium Australian truffles are harvested from a Southwest Australian truffle plantation, which contains trees which were purchased in France and inoculated with truffle spores in France.
After recently preparing several dishes using Australian black truffles, Laurel Pine, Mirepoix USA Founder stated, “Australian black truffles are every bit as aromatic and flavorful as French black truffles. If it wasn’t mid July, I would have thought these fresh truffles came straight from France.”
According to Mirepoix USA, black truffles are best when cooked because the heating process releases the wonderful truffle flavor and aroma. Thin slices of black truffles can be placed under the skin of uncooked poultry such as duck or pheasant. Black truffles also pair well with many other meats including beef and pork and game meats such as venison, boar and elk. Fish and seafood are equally good with black truffles, especially white fish such as cod, sea bass or halibut, or shellfish such as lobster or scallops. Black truffles are also wonderful in sauces made with hearty wine, brandy, cream, or butter.
Mirepoix USA states that consumers should be aware that all truffles, including black truffles from Australia, should be wrapped in an absorbent cloth such as a paper towel and stored in an air-tight container. The towel should be changed daily to avoid moisture collecting or mold developing. Truffles can lose up to 3% of their daily weight, and should be consumed within a week. For maximum flavor and aroma, black Australian truffles should be used immediately upon receipt.
Truffles grow in random locations as much as one foot below ground in the root system of the host trees and therefore must be discovered by the trained nose of a pig or dog. Dogs are more commonly used for truffle hunting today, as they can be more easily trained to simply find the truffles and not eat them.
Mirepoix USA sources the highest quality specialty gourmet foods and traditional French foods from manufacturers and importers across the United States. The company currently offers over 40 foie gras selections; fresh truffles including summer truffles, Burgundy truffles, Perigord black truffles and Alba white truffles and well as truffle based products; French charcuterie, and a wide selection of caviar. In recent years the online retailer has expanded product offerings to include Wagyu and US Kobe beef, French cheeses, and gourmet gift baskets and gourmet food.
To purchase fresh Australian black truffles from Mirepoix USA, visit http://www.mirepoixusa.com or call 866-992-9559.
Source: Mirepoix USA
