What are truffles?
Truffles are a type of fungus or spore that grows underground and has a rich, musky, earthy flavor. While there are more than 200 varieties of truffles, they tend to fall into the categories of black or white truffles. Black truffles are more readily available and less expensive, while white truffles – with a more intense flavor – are a more costly and rare delicacy.
Are truffles a type of mushroom?
While truffles and mushrooms are both fungi, they are actually different species. Truffles are tubers that grow underground in wild forests and in certain areas, and they cannot be easily planted or cultivated. In contrast, mushrooms grow above ground, can grow almost anywhere, and are easy to cultivate.
Why are truffles so expensive?
Truffles are costly for several reasons. They grow slowly and unpredictably. They're rare, and demand is high. And because they grow underground, it's difficult and time-consuming to find them. Truffle hunters must rely on dogs and pigs to sniff them out. White truffles are more expensive than black truffles because they are rarer. While truffles themselves are quite costly, truffle cheese remains relatively affordable because it only takes a small amount of truffle to impart a big flavor and aroma to the cheese.
What is umami?
Umami is a Japanese word that means “the essence of deliciousness.” It refers to the savory, meaty taste of food. Along with salty, sweet, bitter, and sour, umami is considered one of the five basic categories of taste.
What are other types of specialty cheese?
Along with truffle cheese, specialty cheeses include any cheese with special production techniques or where extra ingredients are added. These may be added to the cheese as oils, powders, flakes, or chunks of fruit, vegetables, and nuts. Ghost pepper jack cheese, havarti with horseradish, caraway cheese¸ smoked cheddar, and herb cheese are all specialty varieties.