What mushrooms look like, where and how they grow (with photo)
The general character of the genus of truffles lies in their property of underground growth. First, read what a truffle looks like, with its outer shape resembling the shape of raincoats. The surface of the truffle is roundish, but it differs significantly in that it is always pitted with deep depressions. The meat of this truffle head also has its own distinctive character, as it is speckled with transverse dark and light stripes, giving it a marbled appearance. Finally, this meat in truffles never turns to dust, like in raincoats, but with old age it either rotts if mushrooms grow in damp soil, or dries up if the soil is dry.
Check out the photos and descriptions of truffles growing in natural conditions. And also find out how a truffle grows and what its distinctive features are.
The mycelium adheres very tightly to the wall of the cap, which faces downward, deep into the ground, and between the outer cones and tubercles the testes of truffles with their smallest seed dust are placed. Truffles that emerge in spring have the appearance of a pea, but, growing gradually, they are not yet in the summer, they are suitable for consumption, and only in the fall they can be dug up, when, being in adulthood, they already become quite soft and fragrant.
As you can see in the photo, truffles grow in dense oak (also beech and chestnut) forests, but where the forest is young, they are less common there, and where it is felled or even significantly cut, they disappear there. The land, loved by truffles, is a heavy and moist black soil, and the depression in which they grow is 2 cm to 1 m from the surface of the earth, and they rarely come across alone, but more in heaps, in which there are from three to seven pieces ...
The main places where truffles grow are Central and South Germany, Belgium, France, especially South, Italy, Bohemia (predominantly white breed), Poland and, finally, South Russia. It seems that truffles found in more southern places are more aromatic and, therefore, tastier than those found in areas lying further from the hot zone, and finally, in the northernmost zone, they do not grow at all. It is clear that truffles, like plants that ripen inside the earth, and, moreover, throughout the summer, cannot be brought under the general climatic conditions of the family of mushrooms, which ripen quickly and therefore abound where they are less likely to be affected by transitions from cold to heat, that is, in more northern locations.
Growing truffles at home
Many people ask the question whether it is possible to grow truffles on their own, how to grow this mushroom and what are the conditions for growing truffles. In nature, the spread of these mushrooms occurs thanks to forest dwellers who find a ripe mushroom and eat it. Truffle spores, together with fecal matter removed from the animal's body, enter the root system of the tree and form a symbiosis with it. However, in many European countries and the PRC, artificial cultivation of black truffles has been widespread for many years. It is noteworthy that white truffles do not lend themselves to cultivation.
Successful truffle breeding requires several factors to coincide: optimal weather conditions, suitable soil and appropriate trees. Today, to create truffle plantations, man-made oak groves are planted from the acorns of the tree under which the mushroom was found. Another option is to infect the seedling roots with specially prepared truffle mycelium. Growing truffles is a long and costly process, so the price of a home-grown truffle differs little from the price of a natural truffle, although the taste of artificial mushrooms is somewhat lower.
Growing truffles at home
As a substrate for growing truffles, sprouts of oak or common hazel are used.Seedlings are kept under sterile conditions for several weeks to allow the mycelium to take root. After that, the seedlings are planted in the nursery.
The soil for growing truffles should have a pH of 7.5-7.9, a high content of humus and calcium. It should not contain stones, weeds and should not be infested with other types of fungi. Before planting, deep mechanical processing is performed. Before planting, the soil is not fertilized. The environment must be dry, with an average temperature of 16.5-22 ° C.
Seedlings are planted in spring. No more than 500 trees per hectare. A little water is poured into the hole, the seedling is firmly covered and watered again. The planting depth is 75 cm. The top layer of forest soil with fallen leaves and plastic wrap are placed next to each seedling.
The edible part of the truffle is the spore-containing fruiting body. Fruit bodies are located at a depth of about 20 cm. They are dug out with small shoulder blades. An indicator of the availability of a truffle crop is the so-called truffle flies.
Composition and useful properties
The calorie content of the product is 25 kcal per 100 g. The composition of the mushroom:
- proteins - 3 g;
- fats - 0.5 g;
- carbohydrates - 2 g.
The low calorie content allows the use of black truffle during the diet.
Beneficial features:
- They improve metabolism in the body, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Ascorbic acid reduces the risk of colon dysfunction and aids in the absorption of iron and calcium.
- B vitamins improve the functioning of the endocrine system and adrenal glands.
Vitamin B3 present in the composition is responsible for the normal regeneration of the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin - the cuticle).
The most important property of the black truffle is its effect on the human reproductive system. Its use in food is believed to cure impotence in men and increase a woman's chances of getting pregnant.
In nature, the mushroom is the orderly of the forest. Black truffle often grows near old trees, processing their roots. Also, the species protects the root system of healthy trees from late blight.
Where does truffle grow in Russia
If you are interested in where truffles grow in Russia, then go to the Volga region, Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Oryol, Samara, Leningrad regions of the country. The ripening period is all autumn months, the fruiting time is the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. Small fruits - about 15 cm, weigh up to 500 g, grow at a depth of 10-15 cm.
The black variety is considered a summer treat. It is found in the Caucasus, on the Black Sea coast, in the Moscow, Vladimir regions. Black specimens like to develop in deciduous and mixed forests with limestone soil, near the roots of oak, beech, hornbeam, hazel. The diameter of white fruits is up to 10 cm. The time of ripening and fruiting is early summer - late autumn.
european part of Russia
Both black (Russian) and white (Polish) fruits are found. The first variety breeds in Podolsk, Belgorod, Tver, Leningrad. Voronezh forest is famous for a large number of delicacies. Near St. Petersburg, black mushrooms are rare, but the white variety grows on the Oryol, Tula land. Remember that the warmer the climate, the more likely you are to find a treat.
Caucasus and Crimea
These areas are known for their mild climate: there is everything for the active growth of the delicacy. Many oak and beech groves are concentrated here, which is favorable for the development of mushrooms. A large number are found on the Crimean land (steppe regions), the North and West Caucasus, in North Ossetia - Alania. It is worth highlighting Anapa, Gelendzhik, the village of Abrau-Dyurso, the Western Caucasus: Adagum-Pshishsky district.
Delicacy mushrooms in Siberia
Many people, wondering where real expensive white truffles grow in Russia, do not suspect that the delicacy can grow on Siberian soil. The delicacy was first discovered in these places in the 19th century. Fruits grow both singly and in groups, they like to be located in deciduous and coniferous forests.Many porcini mushrooms are found on the Tomsk land. Recently, the inhabitants of the region began to collect fruits in kilograms, which is explained by favorable climatic conditions and active fruiting.
Description
Fruiting body
It is represented by an irregularly shaped tuber, the size of which reaches from 3 to 9 centimeters. The surface of the fruit body is dotted with convex formations of regular geometric shape in the form of polygons with the number of faces from 3 to 6. The truffle is colored brown with a red tint, eventually acquires a deep black shade of coal.
The flesh of a young black truffle is very dense, firm, tinged whitish-pink or gray.
As the mushroom ages, the flesh darkens, becoming first brownish-red, and then almost black with a purple tint.
On the cut of a mushroom of any age, streaks of white and red are clearly visible, giving the truffle pulp its characteristic marble appearance.
The pulp of the mushroom, not even cut, emits a strong specific aroma and has a peculiar taste, reminding someone of chocolate with forest notes, and to someone of a noble alcoholic beverage.
Spores ripen in the thickness of the mushroom pulp, have an elongated shape, curved.
False doubles
The Himalayan subspecies can be confused with the black French.
This mushroom has an irregular tuberous shape, reaching 3-9 cm in diameter. Grows underground. In young specimens, the surface is reddish brown, in old specimens it is coal black. At the point of pressure, the color changes, becoming rusty. There are small irregularities on the surface, creating 4 to 6 edges. The aroma is strong, the taste is pleasant, with a bitter tinge.
Black french truffle Is a delicacy that is called "black diamond". It is edible, used as food after pretreatment, raw can be used as a fragrant seasoning.
The main difference from the Himalayan is the large size of the fruit body.
Himalayan truffles are often exported to European countries, passing off as winter black ones.
White truffle description.
The most popular gourmet variety of truffles is considered to be black - they are served in elite restaurants, they have an unusual delicate, meaty taste and an indescribable smell. But, white truffle differs from black, not only in external characteristics, but also in composition and taste. White truffle is also part of the Truffle family.
It is important to note that the appearance of the white truffle is very different from the traditional fruiting bodies, which consist of a cap and a leg. The fruit body of a white truffle is apothecia, which can be completely submerged in the soil or slightly protrude above the surface
In appearance, a truffle is similar to a potato tuber - it has an irregular rounded shape, its surface is smooth.
The young mushroom has a white, smooth surface. In mature mushrooms, it acquires a yellowish tint, becomes wrinkled - covered with winding veins. With age, spots of irregular shape with a reddish tint can appear on the surface of the fungus. The volume of the fruit body is up to 12 cm. White truffle spores are large, spherical, with processes.
Mushroom truffle: description and features of a rare delicacy
Truffle dishes are very expensive and the mushrooms themselves are considered an exquisite delicacy, since this species is quite rare, grows differently from what we are used to, is harvested with the help of animals and has a very specific taste. Most mushroom pickers believe that these unusual fruits do not grow in Russia, but this is not the case. Knowing what they look like, it is quite possible to find them in our latitudes.
Description of truffles
The name of the mushroom is originally translated as "earth cone", which is quite logical if you look at its external shape.
The structure and features of the species
Usually fruiting bodies are either rounded or tuberous. Some experts note that outwardly they look like potatoes. In addition, depending on the maturity of the tubers, they can be of different consistency (dense or loose).Traditionally, the size is small (slightly larger than a walnut), but sometimes some individual fruiting bodies reach quite impressive sizes and can weigh up to 1 kg.
Edible truffle or not
Experts say it is best to consume it either completely raw or with minimal heat treatment to preserve its taste and aroma. Since if it is stored for a long time, then it can lose all its useful qualities and specific taste.
What is his taste
Experts say that the aroma has a light scent of autumn forest and rotten foliage, as well as ripe fruits, and a little bit of chocolate. It tastes very much like hazelnut, with a light fruity or chocolate aftertaste.
Where and how exactly the fetus grows
A feature of these fruit bodies is that they grow underground next to the roots of not all trees, but only such as oak, beech, hornbeam, linden and poplar at a depth of 5 to 30 cm, but usually somewhere around 20 cm. The most valuable are those that were found just near the oak tree. They grow in small groups, an average of 7 pieces, but you can also find single fruits.
The most valuable species
After analyzing the truffle price market, we have compiled a list of the six most valuable specimens:
White Truffle (Tuber magmatum Pico)
This species is the most valuable.
The small area of growth of the fungus determines the high cost, and it has not been possible to cultivate this species so far.
The optimal white size is 2 - 6 cm. In rare cases it reaches 15 cm and a weight of 500 grams, but the average value is equal to 20 grams.
White Truffle (Tuber magmatum Pico)
The aroma is complex and unforgettable, but it disappears when the product is cooked for food.
Black precious truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt)
This species has the highest price among black truffles, from 1 to 2 thousand dollars per kilogram.
Prized for its unsurpassed aroma - a bit like cocoa, moist soil, strawberries and a mixture of dried fruits. French chefs use to add a special flavor to sauces that are served with meat.
Black precious truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt)
Black smooth truffle (Tuber macrosporum Vitt)
This species costs from 550 to 250 $ per kg.
Like "Vittadini" (No. 4) it is used to create sauces and pâtés, but it is undeservedly cheaper and more expensive.
The sizes are small, from 2 to 5 centimeters.
Combines shades of roasted barley and garlic aromas.
Black smooth truffle (Tuber macrosporum Vitt)
Winter black or "Burgundy" (Tuber ucinatum Chatin)
The price for it starts at $ 250 and ends at $ 500, the price is highly dependent on the size.
The sizes are average. Rounded, slightly irregular
In cooking, it is actively used for making cheese fondue, it is rubbed with slices in fillets, scrambled eggs, omelets and various pastes.
Winter black or "Burgundy" (Tuber ucinatum Chatin)
Summer black (Tuber aestimum Vitt (Vittadini)
Prices start at $ 80 per kg and end at $ 450.
It has a pleasant taste and low cost, so it is often used in cooking to create pates, spreads, oils and sauces.
Inside it has shades of white, so you need to be careful when buying in France, there it is called "summer white".
The sizes are standard for mushrooms of this species, but some specimens reach a weight of 800 grams or more.
Summer black (Tuber aestimum Vitt (Vittadini)
Summer White (Tuber aldibum pico or Tuber borchii Vitt)
From $ 100 to $ 250 / kg are given for it because of the external and taste similarity with the famous white brother.
It goes well with game dishes (wild boar, pheasant, hare) because of the garlic notes that it has.
Smaller dimensions and smoother surface make it stand out from its more expensive counterpart in appearance. Rarely reaches the size of a chicken egg, much more often like quail eggs.
Summer White (Tuber aldibum pico or Tuber borchii Vitt)
How to find truffles
To find a truffle in the forest, you need to have special knowledge. They are found near the roots of trees: they are often found near oak trees. Try not to look for fruits in the clear cut areas. Based on practice, such areas are not distinguished by a large number of mushrooms. It is desirable that there be black soil with high humidity. Before starting your search, consider the following:
- Consider the fruits in advance, live or in photographs.
- Prepare to search for animals: Specially trained pigs or dogs will do.
To make the "quiet hunt" successful, be guided by some features of the area. The rules for mushroom pickers are as follows:
The "truffle" area, where the delicacy is located, is distinguished by stunted vegetation, gray-ash soil.
Fungi rarely come to the surface of the soil (sometimes this happens due to strong winds or heavy rains), so look for them in the ground at a depth of 10-15 cm.
Pay attention to the bumps, they should be excavated.
Midges often circle over a place with mushrooms: the larvae feed on mushrooms, so the insects lay eggs nearby.
Growth features
A favorable place for the development of truffles is a large number of tree roots and soil with loose soil with a lot of sand and lime. Experienced mushroom pickers say that if they find one specimen, then you need to continue looking for several more nearby. Typically, you can find about 5 pieces. Truffle often develops in families, rarely singly.
Searching for truffles in the forest
People have been collecting unusual mushrooms for many years.
It is important to consider that there is a false and real mushroom. To return home with the desired prey, it is important to follow a special technology:
- Go to the forest where there are beeches, birches, oaks, hazel.
- Look for fruits near trees with large roots.
- If the search is carried out with the help of pigs, then they should be muzzled, because animals love to feast on mushrooms.
- Keep in mind the appearance of the plant: its surface is rough, the flesh is firm. The fruits resemble black or white potato tubers.
Truffle hunting animals
Mushrooms have a very strong odor that animals can easily pick up even at a distance. For this reason, experienced mushroom pickers prefer to keep specially trained dogs or pigs. The latter are able to smell at a distance of 25 meters. After the aroma is determined, the pig will actively dig up the delicacy. If there is no muzzle, then it is necessary to ensure that the pig does not eat what it finds.
As for dogs, they are indifferent to eating treats, so it is not necessary to wear a muzzle before searching. Before using these four-legged "detectives", it will take a long time to learn the rules of finding mushrooms. The dog needs to be trained to smell. If you are thinking of buying a trained dog, then keep in mind that it costs more than 5000 euros.
