A precious delicacy that grows in nature and whose price is usually always high is Teruel truffle. Here we explain why this Aragonese province is the first producer world of a fungus that can be found in Soria also, for example. Also what are the secrets of this black delight whose kilo can be quite expensive, at the price of gold. Or was that before the current pandemic? Discover here this current problem who is suffering and how is this great gourmet product
A rare delicacy
La Teruel truffle is the cultivation of patience. This nickname comes because it is necessary to wait eight years for the holm oaks (a kind of tree) to produce it. This makes it easier to understand why they are so rare and precious. In fact, a kilo could cost you a year ago $700 approximately. In addition, they are of great value since they generate employment and help to establish population in rural areas. However, all that glitters is not gold. Let's see how the pandemic It has turned everything upside down.
In general, the largest buyers of truffles are the hoteliers. These have the ability to pay for it since after preparing a dish with it they recover the investment. However, many bars and restaurants have closed or are about to. Hotels are not living their best moment either and this does not help. As a result, the price of the Teruel truffle has slumped: now this does not rise from $150. The outlook is bleak, and those who make a living from collecting this black "gold" hope for a rapid improvement that will pull them out of the hole. But how exactly is this Teruel delicacy?
Teruel truffle habitat
His scientific name is Tuber Melanosporum. It is a ball-shaped black mushroom that requires a curious process of symbiosis to survive. This is called "mycorrhiza ». What the truffle does is associate itself with the finest roots of certain plants such as holm oaks, oaks, kermes oak… If they appear in Teruel it is not by chance. The soil and climate they give rise to the favorable and ideal conditions for their development and growth in the rural environments where these plantations are present.
Regarding the soil we can highlight the stony soils. These are limestone and poor. On the other hand, in Teruel there is a climate with short and cool summers in addition to the usual snowfalls in winter. It is influenced by the terrain elevation and the proximity of Mediterranean coast. There are those who come to define it as a "Mediterranean mountain climate".
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Harvesting the Teruel truffle
The way to collect this food is the traditional one. Are used Dogs previously trained from November to March. These usually belong to specific breeds when they are not the result of crossing between them. Some of the most used are griffon, drahthaar, braco and pointer. The dog must be young, obedient and resistant to low temperatures. We should also mention the fly method carried out by truffle growers in hot days. It consists of hitting the ground where they suspect that there may be a truffle with a stick.
If flies do come out, you should dig a little with your machete special because it is a sign that the fungus you are looking for is found. This tool is narrow and lacks a sharp point. After carefully removing the truffle, fill in the hole with the same land and compensation your canine friend. It must be mature enough for the dog to perceive it with his nose.
Sarrión, truffle capital
This Teruel town is the world capital of the black truffle. In it you can find places like Delicacies of the earth. It is a store in charge of marketing the Teruel truffle collected in the area. Specifying more, we can also say that it is the first truffle canning in all Aragon.
We also find the headquarters of ATRUTER (Association of Truffle Growers of the Province of Teruel) in this locality. It watches over the interests of the truffle collectors and growers in the province. In addition, it carries out work to promote truffle farming and improve its conditions in the region.
Kitchen applications
The first thing to keep in mind is that this enormous quality product is consumed in very small amounts. That is why we do not perceive its nutritional benefits. We can mention its high content in potassium y magnesium. Besides that it is a food digestive y aphrodisiac. However, it is highly valued for its culinary qualities.
The ideal would be to taste it fresh. That is, ten days at the latest after being collected. It has a unique aroma that gives it great personality, which is why it should not be mixed with ingredients that mask it. Some may be the it or ginger.
It hardly requires cooking and that is why it is applied in the last heat stroke in the Hot dishes. It is ideal for red meat. It is also perfect with any type of game, pasta, rice, eggs y Fish.
We encourage you to indulge yourself with her while supporting this sector that is now having a hard time. On the bright side, your current price quite reduced can facilitate your purchase to use some sheets of Teruel truffle on your plates.
