Black truffle sea salt is a delicacy, both delicious and therapeutic, from ancient times to the present. As with many foods, its medicinal properties are not always appreciated by health experts, but black truffle salt has been shown to have some very good qualities. Among them are anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties that might be useful in treating some diseases.
A black truffle mushroom is the fruiting surface of a tubular ascomycete mushroom, mostly one of three species of the family Tuberculinacea. Tuberculinacea fungi, as with many other fungi, are also divided into species, such as Tuberculinum vulgare. Other genera of truffles include Geopora, Pezira, Choiromycota, Leucangarium, and a dozen others.
The characteristic odor of a true truffle comes from the 'blackening' of melanin cells in the melanin-producing cells of a truffle's mushroom spores. When the spores are in fresh truffles, the color is usually pinkish brown, but it may also be purple, yellow, or orange. As the truffles mature, the color changes to black.
Tuberculinacea, the other common species of this ascomycetous fungi, is found in many tropical parts of the world and can be found in soils in arid regions, such as North Africa and the Middle East. Because of their resistance to extreme temperatures and high humidity, they often occur on the soil around the roots of trees. They also are common in the stems and leaves of plants that have been infected by fungal diseases. Truffles and their associated fungi are common in the soil around the roots of trees and plant roots, but rarely in plant litter.
One type of truffling called Geoporus trilosensis, found in the Himalayas, is used for medicinal purposes because of its ability to destroy malarial parasites, such as the malaria parasite that causes Plasmodium falciparum. It also has antimicrobial properties and is also used in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Its use is particularly important for the treatment of malaria since it is resistant to chloroquine (Platelet and Plaquenopause). Other species are often used for cosmetic purposes, for example, as a food additive, in the manufacture of candles and cosmetics, as a thickener in sauces and soups, and as a preservative in canned meat products.
Truffles have a rich, luscious flavor and an appealing appearance, with their long thin stem, which can be up to a meter long. The flavor is similar to that of chocolate, and they are sometimes eaten raw, or eaten as a dessert or used in baking.
A black truffle sea salt can be preserved by either drying it for a short period, or freezing it. Some cooks believe that the most delicious way to freeze them is to dry them and then throw them in a pan with a little water in them.
A black truffle contains a variety of substances, all of which contribute to the flavor, such as sulphur, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and fats, and some of which have antiseptic qualities. Black truffles are a good source of vitamin C. Black truffles also contain some potassium, magnesium, manganese, thiamine, niacin, and copper. The mineral calcium carbonate, which is found in limestone formations, is also present in the truffles. Calcium carbonate is the main constituent of rock salt.
Truffles can be eaten as a snack, or eaten with other foods such as cheese and wine. There are many recipes available on the Internet and in cookbooks that call for a mixture of the truffles with nuts, cheese and wine. They can also be used in place of butter or mayonnaise in dips or spreads. There are also some people who believe that adding a dash of peppermint to the mix makes them excellent for dill pickles.
Ascomycetes, or black truffle salt, have a very strong aroma and taste, which are not unlike the smell of fresh thyme leaves. In fact, some people claim that the taste of thyme leaves is like the smell of black truffles! It is often added to foods in the form of a thick syrup, for an instant seasoning.
Truffles also are the source of food called Tarte Tatin, which is French for truffles, and which is prepared in much the same way as truffles. This is made by using a mixture of eggs and breadcrumbs. Another version of truffles, called truffle frax, is made with cream and lemon juice and served with fruit. They are also used in making ice cream, and as toppings for pies, sherbet, custards and puddings.