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Crimean truffle is widespread on the coast of the peninsula in wooded areas. A mushroom from the Truffle family is classified under the scientific name Tuber aestivum.
The Crimean species is also known under other definitions: edible, Russian black, earthy or black heart. To add value to the product, mushrooms are sometimes called burgundy, although they are different types.
Crimean truffle is often found in thickets of young oak forests
Do mushroom truffles grow in Crimea?
On the Black Sea coast, including in the Crimea, black summer representatives, or the so-called black Russians, are quite common, according to the testimony of mushroom pickers specializing in the search and collection of expensive underground mining. They are found in forests and plantings where broad-leaved species grow - oaks, beeches, hornbeams. The Crimean species is also sometimes found in coniferous plantations. One of the well-known mycologists of our time refutes the unconfirmed claims that the winter black species grows in the Crimea, since there were no known cases of finding these mushrooms.
Summer black truffles on the Crimean coast begin to look for from May until December.
What does a Crimean truffle mushroom look like?
The fruiting bodies of the Crimean summer truffles are found at a depth of 3-12 cm, in some places much deeper. Ripe mushrooms sometimes come to the surface.
Black summer view ranging in size from 2 to 11 cm. Fruit bodies of Crimean truffles, as in the photo, are irregular in shape, tuberous or rounded. The skin is black and blue, it can be brown, warty. Large tubercles on the skin are pyramidal.
Light Russian black truffle pulp
At a young age, the pulp is yellow-white or grayish-yellow, then gradually turns brown, the yellow color becomes darker. The cut shows light beige veins, which are compared to the natural marble pattern. The flesh of the Crimean species is dense, juicy, then becomes loose. The smell is pleasant, strong enough.
Some experts believe that the mushroom smells like algae or fallen leaves. The sweetish pulp tastes like walnuts.
The mass of spores of the Crimean underground fungi is yellow-brown.
Where does truffle grow in Crimea
The Crimean species of recognized gourmet mushrooms creates mycorrhiza with broad-leaved or other trees, less often with pines. Usually, the fruit bodies of the summer variety are found in places where hornbeam, beech, oak or birch grow. On the Crimean coast, they are also looked for near the pines. Often, specialist mushroom pickers return from a successful, quiet hunt in the undergrowth of young beech or oak trees. Usually ripe mushrooms are found from the last days of July until the beginning of December.
How to find a truffle in Crimea
The black Russian summer species, or Crimean, prefers to grow on soils with a high lime content. They find it at a depth of 3 to 14-16 cm. Although sometimes the depth of occurrence reaches 25-29 cm. It is believed that on the Crimean peninsula, these mushrooms cannot be found in the central steppe or mountainous region, but only on the coast and in the foothills. The search for truffles in the Kirov region, as well as in the famous Baidar Valley in the vicinity of Sevastopol, is especially successful.
Is it possible to eat Crimean truffles
The Crimean edible truffle, or Russian black, looks a bit like the famous Perigord black, shown in the photo:
In both species, fruiting bodies of the same dark color with pyramidal tubercles. But the difference begins after the mushroom is cut: the marble pattern is completely different. In winter French truffles, the flesh is brown, up to black-purple color. The veins are black and white, with a red border. The summer Crimean species is distinguished by yellowish-brown flesh with white veins. Also, mushrooms have different microscopic indicators.
Winter black truffle
The Crimean truffle is edible, but does not have the same smell at all as the Western European kind. Taste correlates with a nutty note. Professionals believe that the consistency of Crimean mushrooms is rougher, and the smell is much inferior in composition to a French distant relative.
Rumor has it that initially Crimean truffles were highly prized, but after the restaurateurs learned about their true taste, the price dropped somewhat. Some fashionable culinary experts believe that the Crimean look is suitable only as a decoration on dishes.
In summer, underground mushrooms are small
Collection rules and use
Although underground mushrooms are collected on the Crimean peninsula, such actions may well be classified as illegal, since the species is included in protected natural objects and is included in the list of protected ones in the Red Book of Russia and Crimea. Mushroom pickers coordinate their actions with the relevant structures; it is impossible to collect fruit bodies in protected areas.
A new business is being promoted - the cultivation of mushroom delicacies by planting bushes and trees with ready-made truffle mycorrhiza on the roots. In such places, there are signs of ripening fruit bodies:
- ash-colored soil;
- swarming midges in one place low above the ground;
- potholes in the ground made by animals.
Mushroom delicacy keeps its properties fresh, as it is used:
- fruit bodies are cut with a slicer directly into a plate near the dining table;
- the delicacy is added to dishes prepared from products with an inexpressive smell.
Conclusion
The Crimean truffle is edible, like all fruit bodies of the summer Russian species. It differs from Western European delicacies in a less intense smell, taste, and a different pulp consistency. It is listed in the Red Book as a rare species, therefore, an inconsistent collection conflicts with the law.
