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Black Russian truffle is an edible representative of the Truffle family, belongs to the marsupial mushrooms, and is a close relative of morels. It can be found in the south of Russia, in the Leningrad, Pskov, Moscow regions. To prepare a delicious mushroom dish, you need to know the external characteristics and study the rules for collecting.
What does a black Russian truffle look like?
To have an idea of what a summer Russian truffle looks like, you need to familiarize yourself with external data, view photos and videos. Characteristic features of the species:
- tuberous mushroom has an uneven shape;
- the size of an adult specimen is at least 10 cm;
- the surface is furrowed, black, bluish or dark brown;
- the pulp is dense, becomes loose as it grows;
- color is yellow-gray or ocher-brown;
- a marble pattern is clearly visible on the cut;
- the taste is sweet, nutty;
- the aroma is intense, sometimes it is compared to the smell of algae or fallen leaves.
Reproduction occurs by oval spores, which are located in an ocher-brown powder.
Where does the black summer truffle grow
The black Russian truffle bears fruit during the whole warm period. In the southern regions, it grows until mid-November. The fruit body is located underground, at a depth of 15-25 cm. Prefers deciduous forests, grows in single specimens or in small groups.
The main regions of frequent and abundant fruiting are the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and Crimea. In single copies, the summer black truffle can be found in the Leningrad, Pskov, Belgorod and Moscow regions.
Is it possible to eat Russian summer black truffle
This representative of the forest kingdom is edible. Due to its strong pleasant aroma, it is often added to various dishes. But since it grows underground and is difficult to find, the price is very high. Therefore, in order for mushroom hunting to be effective, you need to know the rules of collection.
False doubles
The black summer mushroom bears a resemblance to the valuable gourmet Perigord truffle. Distinctive characteristics:
- the rounded fruit body is deep black;
- the pulp is dense, fleshy;
- in juvenile specimens, the marble pattern is light gray; as it grows, it becomes black and purple;
- the taste is bitter-nutty, the aroma is pleasant, rich.
Collection rules and use
Collecting truffles is a difficult and difficult job, since this representative of the forest kingdom grows underground. Therefore, in order for the mushroom hunt to be successful, mushroom pickers take a specially trained pig or dog to help. Animals, smelling the smell, begin to dig the ground, and the mushroom picker can only dig up the prey found.
Summer black truffle is considered a delicacy.Before cooking, the fruit body is thoroughly cleaned from the ground with a brush. Since the species does not tolerate heat treatment, the mushroom is cut into thin plates or shavings and placed on a prepared hot dish. After warming up, the pulp begins to give a nutty aroma, giving the food a piquant taste.
The mushroom is used for making pates, sauces, pie fillings. Truffles also perfectly complement meat, fish and seafood dishes. To preserve freshness and aroma for a long time, the mushroom harvest can be frozen and preserved in cognac.
This forest dweller has useful properties. Helps:
- with gout;
- during depression;
- with eye diseases.
This species has no contraindications. The only exception is individual intolerance.
Conclusion
The black Russian truffle is a delicacy rare species. The collection is carried out at night, and in order for the mushroom hunt to be successful, mushroom pickers often take a specially trained dog with them. Due to their pleasant nutty taste and smell, truffles are used to prepare various dishes.
