Truffles grow underground and range in color from almost black to off-white. The white varieties have subtler flavors than the black truffles and lend extra virgin olive oil an almost garlicky flavor with full, earthy overtones. The white truffle is in season from September to December and is also used raw, thinly sliced over pasta, risotto, or omelettes. It has a very strong, pleasant aroma.The unique flavor and limited production of truffles command a price of up to $900 per pound, depending on the type. A superb way to capture their flavor and extend their use is to make truffle oil by soaking them in olive oil. Truffle oils are generally not used in cooking, as the heat adulterates their flavors. Instead, they are added after a dish is prepared or used in salads and other cold dishes.
This quality truffle oil from De Medici achieves its pungent, woodsy aroma and earthy flavor by balancing the white truffle infusion with the delicate flavor of Ligurian EVOO. This compares favorably to the more commonly available truffle oils made with Umbrian oil, as the more forceful Umbrian extra virgin blocks the truffle flavor while only letting its aroma come through. Add a dash of this important condiment to pasta, risotto, eggs, or just about anything that needs an earthy, perhaps garlicky kick.
