Black truffles are a luxurious indulgence that should be stocked up on a regular basis. Of course, they're also incredibly delicious and make a perfect gift for any occasion. They're a guilty pleasure just like champagne or wine, and many people eat them for their high-quality and distinctive flavor. Here's a guide to buying black truffles.
TRUFFLE SALT. If you're wondering where to buy black truffle sea salt, look no further than online distributors. Thanks to its long life, most online sellers now sell genuine black truffles and ship globally. Like with most things, the quality of the salt you buy will depend on where it was created. The better quality products tend to come from France, Italy, or Switzerland.
CAUTION: Although some retailers insist on delivering their fake salts in plain packaging, it's safest to buy in small batches and seal each box carefully. Buyers who've tried the fake "salt" have reported finding it extremely difficult to avoid discoloration and spotting. In order to protect your palate from such problems, stick with organic, naturally derived salts.
BANNER AND VANILLA Ingredients The classic truffles come from the Cajun soil, and these include black truffles, white truffles, and even jalapeno truffles. Although the colors vary from one region to the next, these particular flavors seem to be the most popular. Typically, French fries and white truffles are the main ingredients of the Cajun dish, but these flavors can also be found in other places, including Aruba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and, believe it or not, Canada. Basically, these two versions share a base of black truffle salt, though the exact ingredients may vary.
BANNER AND VANILLA Ingredients The classic Cajun dish features peppers and onions, both of which are used in abundance. Along with the spices, the dish includes onions, celery, and bell pepper as well as garlic and parsley. There are times when this mixture is combined with a bit of milk and white vinegar and served on top of rice. It's also possible to buy an actual Cajun tomato jam as well as Cajun-style seasonings from specialty shops and groceries. While you can't use the Cajun seasonings when making black truffle salt, there are times when this particular seasoning is included, such as in the black truffle pie.
TRADE-OUT Ingredients You probably noticed that Cajun and Sea Salt are not the same thing. While you can use either in your recipes, they are often confused with each other. Because of this, it's usually best to buy both in large quantities and be able to identify which one is which. Also, keep in mind that sea salt tends to be much stronger and is slightly sticky while Cajun sea salt is much more delicate and tends to be less sticky.
GIESSEN Ingredients Typically used in Italian cooking, gelatin is made from egg whites or milk. This substance is often included in seafood, which is why it's good to know that black truffle salt is actually derived from gelatine. It's also been used in a lot of desserts, such as ice cream, cookies, and cakes. This substance is typically sourced from cattle and goats, so the higher the quality, the more expensive it will be.
ALCARANZA These came in two forms, a powdered form, and a crystal form. The former is more common in the South, while the latter can be found across Europe and the rest of the world. Both are derived from a fungus called coagulants, which is produced by marine worms. This is the reason why black truffle salt is known as "coagulant" salt, as it helps retain heat in the food, simulating the ocean.
