what is bianchetto truffle ?

Tuber borchii: The Bianchetto White Truffle - A Scientific Analysis

Introduction

Tuber borchii, known as the bianchetto white truffle, is a species of mycorrhizal ascomycete fungus that shares similarities with the white truffle of Piedmont (Tuber magnatum) in terms of appearance and culinary use. This scientific analysis will provide an in-depth examination of Tuber borchii, including its botanical, ecological, biological, and culinary aspects.

Taxonomy and Description

Tuber borchii belongs to the kingdom Fungi and the family Tuberaceae. It is characterized by its exterior appearance, which varies in shades from white to ivory. Its external surface is rough, often displaying irregular protuberances. The internal flesh is also white and may exhibit marbling in lighter and darker tones.

Biology and Life Cycle

The biology of Tuber borchii is based on mycorrhization, a symbiotic relationship with the roots of various trees, such as pine, oak, and hazelnut. During this symbiosis, the fungus provides essential mineral nutrients to the trees in exchange for carbohydrates from the plant. This process takes place underground, turning truffles into subterranean fungi that require specific harvesting methods.

Ecology and Distribution

Tuber borchii is found in various regions of Europe, mainly in calcareous soils and forests of conifers and deciduous trees. Although it is often associated with spring, bianchetto truffles can mature in winter or spring, depending on local climatic conditions.

Hunting and Commerce

The harvesting of bianchetto truffles is a tradition in many areas where they grow. Like other truffles, hunting is carried out with the assistance of trained dogs that detect the characteristic aroma of ripe truffles underground. Although bianchetto truffles may not have the same prestige as some winter truffles, they are appreciated in gastronomy and contribute to the local economy through truffle markets.

Nutritional and Culinary Value

While their aroma and flavor are milder than those of some winter truffles, Tuber borchii is still a valued ingredient in gourmet cuisine. It contains proteins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. It is used in dishes such as pasta, risottos, and sauces. It is also employed to flavor oils and gourmet products. Despite their milder aroma and flavor, bianchetto truffles add a unique dimension to culinary dishes.

Characteristics of the White Bianchetto truffle

Tuber Borchii also commonly called bianchetto or Marzuolo truffle in Italy, is a small to medium sized truffle and is visually very similar to its more famous brother the tuber magnatum pico due to its shape and the color of the peridium.

It is rounded approximately whitish and can often be confused with the tuber magnatum pico truffle and it is because originally it presents the same characteristics and irregular smooth whitish color as when it reaches maturity.

How does the Bianchetto white truffle taste?

The spring white truffle also called Marzuolo has a very soft and elegant taste, it is perfumed and floral with a very mild aftertaste of young garlic.

What is the Bianchetto Truffle?

For those who are in the first experience, it may not be strange to confuse the bianchetto truffle with the white truffle, since originally the two species have similar characteristics: irregular globular shape, without basal prominence; a smooth peridium, whitish in the youngest specimens, which with maturation acquires a darker tone with rusty spots; also the gleba is initially whitish, although later it tends to turn tawny and then purplish brown, with thick white streaks. However, it is quite easy to distinguish the types, if one pays attention to the smell that emanates: although that of whitebait is soft and pleasant at first, with the reached maturation it becomes very strong and with a typical airy note, it is certainly distinguished. for the delicate balance that characterizes the aroma of Magnatum.

Where can we find the Bianchetto white truffle?

The bianchetto truffle is highly sought after in the Tuscany, Marche and Romagna areas . Very common in Italy it develops in different types of coastal terrain and mountainous areas up to 1000 meters and can also be found in coastal coniferous groves and deciduous forests in all regions of Italy

With what trees does the White Spring White Truffle or Truffle Bianchetto grow?

It grows in symbiosis with hardwood and coniferous forests, such as pines, beeches or oaks, also among poplars, oaks, willows and on various species of the pine family.

In what soils does the Bianchetto white truffle grow?

 It grows in different kinds of soil, these can be sandy-loamy, calcareous-clayey or sandy as on the coasts.

How much does the Bianchetto Truffle cost?

The bianchetto truffle Tuber Borchii Vittadini is a variety of white truffle, less expensive than the white truffle Tuber Magnatum Pico.

What is the bianchetto truffle price?

The bianchetto truffle is priced between €1130 per kilo.

When is the bianchetto white truffle harvesting season?

The bianchetto truffle harvesting period runs from February to the end of April.