White Truffle of Alba
(Tuber Magnatum Pico)
The White Truffle is considered the truffle par excellence. It grows only in Istria and Piedmont (where it is called "Alba Truffle") and has a globular appearance. The external surface is irregular (with several depressions) and smooth, slightly velvety.
The colour varies from cream to ochre. The inner part (gleba) is white/yellowish with very small white veins.
Its aroma is pleasantly aromatic (reminiscent of Grana cheese).
It lives in symbiosis with lime trees, oaks, willows and poplars and requires a soft and humid soil and good air circulation.
Harvesting takes place from the end of September to 31 December.
Bianchetto
(Tuber Borchii Vittadini)
The Bianchetto Truffle , also known as "Marzuolo" is a very widespread species throughout Italy. It is often confused with the more famous "White Alba Truffle" because at the beginning of its growth it has the same characteristics: globular, smooth and whitish in colour.
As it ripens, both the surface (peridium) and the pulp (gleba) become darker.
A fundamental characteristic that distinguishes it from the White Truffle of Alba is the smell that, when fully ripe, becomes strong and reminiscent of garlic.
It grows in calcareous soils of deciduous and coniferous trees.
The harvest period is from January to March.
Black Winter Truffle
(Tuber Brumale Vittadini)
The Winter Black Truffle has many characteristics similar to the Prized Black Truffle because it lives in the same type of soil and in symbiosis with the same type of plants.
The surface is warty and brownish black and the gleba is black-greyish with less fine veins than Prized Black Truffle.
The aroma is intense and persistent with a strong flavour.
The harvest period is from December to March.
Autumn Truffle
Tuber Uncinatum Chatin
Also known as "Burgundy truffle".Very similar in appearance to Tuber Aestivum so that many consider them to be two variants of a single species. The scientific name " Uncinatum" derives from the Latin term uncinatus (hooked) due to the particular shape of its spores.
The size can range from a hazelnut to an orange( even 700 gr.) in weight. It has a very lumpy outer skin and very dark(gray or black). The color of the gleba(truffle pulp) ranges from shades of hazelnut to brown with light and branched veins.
Black Summer Truffle
(Tuber Aestivum Vittadini)
The Summer Black Truffle, also known as the "Scorzone", is a species very similar to the
Prized Black Truffle.
Compared to the latter, it has a less intense and more delicate scent, reminiscent of porcini mushrooms.
It differs from the Prized Black Truffle also for the gleba which is dark yellow with white veins.
It grows in both sandy and clayey soils.
The dimensions can vary from 5 to 15 cm.
The harvest period is between May and September.
Prized Black Truffle
(Tuber Melanosporum Vittadini)
The Prized Black Truffle has a rounded shape with polygonal warts. The surface has a brown-blackish colour while the gleba has a purplish-brown colour with whitish, thin and very thick veins.
Its scent is delicate and its aroma sweet and pleasant.
It lives in calcareous soils, poor in organic humus and with sparse vegetation.
The harvest period is from mid-November to mid-March.