Content
The Chinese truffle belongs to the conditionally edible species of the Truffle family. The taste of this representative is much worse than that of its related counterparts, therefore it is not often used in cooking. Due to the tough pulp, the mushroom is not consumed in its raw form.
What are the Chinese truffles called
Despite its name, this representative of the mushroom world was first discovered in India, and only 100 years later it was found in China. Since then, the species has only been exported from China. The mushroom has several names: Indian and Asian truffle.
What does a Chinese truffle look like?
This forest dweller has a tuberous fruiting body up to 9 cm in diameter. The surface is ribbed, colored dark gray or brown. On the dark brown flesh, a marble pattern is clearly visible. Reproduction occurs in large, slightly curved oval spores, which are in a brown powder.
Where does Chinese truffle grow?
This specimen grows in large groups underground, in the southwest of China. It prefers to grow next to oak, pine and chestnut trees. In single specimens, the species grows in the southern regions of Russia.
Can you eat Chinese truffle?
This representative of the mushroom kingdom is conditionally edible. But because of the tough pulp, it is consumed only after heat treatment. The mushroom has a pleasant rich aroma that lasts for 5 days after ripening, and a nutty taste.
Chinese truffle is not recommended for children under 7 years old, people with kidney and liver diseases, pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with individual intolerance.
False doubles
The Chinese version has a similar counterpart. The Perigord species is a valuable mushroom that grows in regions with a warm climate. The tuberous fruit body is deep black. The flesh of young specimens is light; with age, it acquires a violet-gray color. The aroma is pleasant, intense, the taste is bitter-nutty. In cooking, it is used raw, since after heat treatment the mushroom loses its taste.
Collection rules and use
Collecting this forest dweller is not an easy job, since it is located underground and forms on the roots of trees. Collection rules:
- Mushroom hunting takes place at night, the reference point is the yellow midges, which circle above the mushroom places and lay larvae in the fruiting bodies. Also mushroom pickers often take a specially trained dog with them. Sniffing the ground, she begins to dig in those places where this specimen grows.
- A domestic pig smells a truffle aroma at 200-300 m. Therefore, Chinese farmers pick mushrooms with it. The main thing is to drag the animal away in time, since the truffle is the pig's favorite delicacy.
- Mushroom pickers often use the method of tapping the soil. Around the adult fruiting body, a void is formed, the earth becomes light and loose, therefore, when tapped, a sonorous sound is emitted.This method requires a fine hearing and a lot of experience from the mushroom picker.
After mushroom hunting, the harvested crop must be cleared of the ground and boiled for 10-20 minutes. After that, crushed fruit bodies are added to sauces, soups, meat and fish dishes.
Conclusion
Due to its tough pulp, the Chinese truffle is classified as conditionally edible. It grows in warm regions, on the roots of deciduous and coniferous trees. In cooking, it is used to add a piquant taste, but only after heat treatment.
