The Ultimate Guide to Buying Truffles

When you buy truffles for the first time it can be quite intimidating, and it is easy to be overwhelmed by the wide variety of truffle types on the market. By taking the time to learn about how truffles are harvested and graded, you will be able to get the most for your money and enjoy your truffle shopping experience. When shopping for fresh truffles, knowing the time of year they are harvested assists in determining their quality and palatability. Chefs the world over agree that winter truffles are far superior to summer truffles in both aroma and flavor, so if you can afford it, buy winter truffles whenever possible. When you buy truffles it is also important to know how these specialty items are graded. Fresh truffles are divided into three distinct grading categories – super extra, extra grade and first choice. Only the best fresh truffles get to wear the super extra crown, and those that do tend to be very expensive. The top 10% or so of truffles harvested are classified as extra grade, and those truffles are an excellent choice. The rest of the truffle harvest goes into the first choice category. These truffles will be less costly than the other grades, but an excellent choice nonetheless, so you may find that this grade works best with a smaller budget.