The fact that in Russia you can find a real royal mushroom, not at all rumors. It is safe to say: summer truffle or, as it is called, Russian, really grows in some regions. So how does it look, where to find how to cook and whether it is possible to cultivate it yourself, will be described below.
Mushroom description
Truffle (lat. Tuber aestivum) is one of the most precious mushrooms on the planet. This is a rather rare and palatable delicacy that has a powerful, characteristic mushroom aroma.
Basically, the size of one fruiting body is not larger than a nut, but in some cases you can find a fairly large specimen that exceeds the parameters of a large potato and weighing more than a kilogram.
Did you know? The largest ripped truffle belonged to the white variety and had a weight of 1 kg 890 g.
The outer cover may be flat or dissected by small cracks.. Most often in the description, the representative of the truffle is covered with multifaceted growths. The color of the flesh depends on the variety and can be pure white, chocolate, black or gray.
Summer look looks like uneven potatoes. Mature specimens reach 2.5–10 cm in volume. The outer layer is furrowed, bluish, black, or dark brown. The flesh is yellow-gray, dense, with age it becomes porous.
In the lateral section of the pulp, a clear marble structure is inherent. It is formed by a change in the inner and upper veins. The taste is slightly sweet, nutty. The aroma is most often compared to the smell of fallen leaves.
For a long period, the origin of the fungus was incomprehensible and grew into a mass of legends. So, in ancient Rome, it was believed that it can increase potency, and in the Middle Ages magical properties were attributed to him altogether.
Tuber recognized as a delicacy only in the 15th century. It was then that the Italian chefs considered its unique taste. Since then, the product has been loved by the inhabitants of Provence, Aquitaine and Charente. It is worth noting that it was originally used as an addition to the main dish.
Important! Truffle is listed in the Red Book of Russia and many regions. Therefore, the mushroom picker who found Tuber Aestivum, I must remember that the state regulates the collection of fruit bodies of this species.
Where is growing
The summer species prefers deciduous plantations (extremely rarely - conifers) and grows alone or in small groups.
The mycelium is formed next to:
- birches;
- beeches;
- hornbeam;
- oaks;
- pines.
The main region where truffles can be found is Scandinavia, the center of Europe, the coastal zone of the Black Sea (Crimea). Sometimes Tuber can be found in the Leningrad, Moscow, Pskov, Tula and Belgorod regions.
Video: Finding a summer truffle in the forest
The fruit body, in contrast to other mushrooms, hides under the ground, below the level of 3-15 cm, sometimes 30 cm. The mosquito revolving over the place where the fruit hid helps to find the king mushroom.. Only old mushrooms rise above the surface.
Fruiting period
Russian species can grow during the warm season. Truffle begins to grow in the spring as soon as the soil warms up. At this time, the size of the fruiting body is not larger than a pea.
Gradually they gain weight and only in the second half of the summer are they ready to collect. But it is recommended to dig it out with the beginning of autumn. In the southern regions it can be found until mid-November.
Growing at home
Many are interested in whether it is possible to grow truffle plantations on their own. To answer this question, you need to consider the pattern of the fungus.
In the area of natural habitat breeding takes place thanks to forest residents who find a mature specimen and eat it. Together with excrement, spores enter the root of the tree and begin to grow.
Important! White truffle defies cultivation. It grows by itself and it is impossible to artificially grow it.
In many European countries, the king of mushrooms has been artificially cultivated for many years.
To breed truffles, the following conditions are required:
- Optimal climatic conditions. Low humidity and air temperature + 16.5 ... + 22 ° C.
- Suitable substrate. The soil should have an acidity of pH 7.5–7.9 and have a high concentration of calcium and humus. The soil should not contain spores of other fungi.
- Matching trees. Embryos of hazelnut or oak infected with mycelium are used.
In order to grow truffle plantations, artificial oak plantings are planted. To do this, take the trees under which the mushroom was found.
Video: How to get rich growing truffle in your area
Another way is to infect the root system of the seedling with separately prepared mycelium.
It is worth noting that dilution of truffles is a rather costly and long-term process, so the price of such a product is different from wild-growing, and the taste characteristics are much worse.
Did you know? Artificially grown truffle plantations began in 1808 in France. Today, China is the leader in the cultivation of these mushrooms.
Calorie content and beneficial properties
The energy value of the truffle will delight everyone who follows the figure - 22-24 kcal per 100 grams of product. These mushrooms are source of vitamins necessary for the growth process of the body.
Also truffle is a natural antioxidant and promotes the rejuvenation of the body as a whole. The truffle will help get rid of chronic overwork and temporary weakness, improve metabolism, and lower cholesterol concentration.
As part of cosmetics, it helps to eliminate wrinkles and age spots, effectively tightens the skin. In some cases, this fungus is used as an aphrodisiac..
Mushroom Processing and Cooking
Truffle mushrooms are used mainly in raw form in dishes that do not differ in their own aroma.. Before use, the mushroom is well cleaned from the ground, crushed in thin slices or shavings and laid out on a cooked dish. Under the influence of heat, the aroma of the product is better revealed.
Important! To preserve gastronomic and healthy qualities, truffle views subject to minor heat treated.
Valuable mushroom combines well with pasta, eggs, spiny lobster, poultry and rice. But the most famous dish on offer in expensive establishments is Truffles in Champagne. Truffle and anchovy pasta are in no less demand. Collected truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than a month.
Similar views
There are several varieties that can be presented as Russian black truffles.
So, the Russian mushroom has some similarities with such species:
- Warty (Tuber melanosporum) or perigorsk. It is considered a winter variety. It is the most expensive mushroom, called the "black diamond." The main difference is multiple red-brown growths and pale flesh with a pink tint, which becomes darker with age and acquires a brownish-violet hue. When pressed, the surface of the perigorsk is painted in red color.
- Autumn (Tuber mesentericum) or Burgundy. The main difference: black skin and chocolate-colored flesh. It has a cocoa smell, slightly bitter.
- White (Tuber magnatum) or Italian. The surface is velvety, can be of different shades: yellow, brown, red. It features an original garlic and cheese flavor.
- Shiny Red (Tuber nitidum). The volume is small - about 45 g. The skin is sand or brown tint, the flesh is grayish. It has an unusual smell that resembles a pear or coconut.
- Winter (Tuber brumale). The skin is red-violet, strewn with growths. It has a rich musky aroma. At a young age, the pulp of the fungus is white, with aging acquires a gray-violet hue. Grows in Italy, Ukraine, Switzerland, France.
Mushroom pickers who want to enjoy truffle should take into account that this species has doubles that are not suitable for food:
- Deer. It grows in a forest zone in Europe and North America. When consumed, it causes pain in the stomach and dysfunction.
- False. It is considered life threatening. It has an elongated shape and is covered with dark red or sand peel.
- Steppe (some varieties). It is found in Turkmenistan, North Africa, Azerbaijan, Southern Europe. The tuber-shaped mushroom itself protrudes above the ground.
Despite the superficial resemblance, these varieties even belong to different families.
Did you know? In order to collect truffles in Europe, you need to get a license.
Russian black truffle is a delicacy that will be a welcome guest on every table. Fans of mushrooms must feast on this miracle and feel the unique taste and aroma.
