what is white alba truffle tUBER MAGNETUM PICO ?

Tuber magnatum Pico: The White Truffle of Piedmont - A Scientific Study

Introduction

Tuber magnatum, scientifically known as the Piedmont white truffle, is a species of mycorrhizal ascomycete fungus that has long been an object of admiration in both the scientific community and the culinary world. This scientific study will delve into the botanical, ecological, biological, and culinary aspects of Tuber magnatum, providing a detailed view of this prestigious truffle species.

Taxonomy and Description

Tuber magnatum belongs to the kingdom Fungi and the family Tuberaceae. It is characterized by its exterior appearance, which ranges from white to ivory. Its external surface is irregular and warty. The internal flesh is also white, and it often exhibits marbling.

Biology and Life Cycle

The biology of Tuber magnatum is closely linked to mycorrhization, a mutualistic symbiosis with the roots of various trees, including oak, hazelnut, and beech. During this symbiotic relationship, the fungus provides essential mineral nutrients to the trees while obtaining carbohydrates from the plant. This process occurs underground, turning truffles into subterranean fungi that require specialized collection methods.

Ecology and Distribution

The geographical distribution of Tuber magnatum is influenced by specific climatic, edaphic, and geographical factors. It is primarily found in regions with mild winters and dry summers, preferring calcareous soils. Deciduous and coniferous forests are common natural habitats for this truffle. The preservation of these forested habitats is essential to ensure the species' survival.

Hunting and Commerce

The harvesting of white truffles is a traditional activity in many regions of northern Italy, particularly in Piedmont. Truffle hunting is carried out with the assistance of trained dogs that can detect the distinct aroma of ripe truffles underground. This activity has led to the creation of local markets and a thriving truffle industry that significantly contributes to the regional economy.

Nutritional and Culinary Value

Despite its smaller size, white truffles are highly prized in gourmet cuisine for their unique flavor and aroma. They contain proteins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. They are used in dishes such as pasta, risottos, eggs, and truffle-infused oils, where their earthy flavor and delicate aroma add a unique dimension to culinary creations.

What characteristics do white ALBA truffles have?

High-quality Alba truffles are distinguished by their fine, smooth and sometimes velvety skin, whose pale yellows can turn ocher, whitish or even grey. The color depends on the species of tree under which it grows. Its gleba (its meat) is crossed by multiple white veins and has a creamy hue that can reach an intense pink color. The white truffle, scientifically known as Tuber Magnatum Pico, is the best known and most appreciated variety internationally.

WHAT FLAVOR DOES THE WHITE TRUFFLE HAVE?

Its fragrance is unmistakable and indescribable, in which the floral aroma of honey, the pungent smell of garlic and that intense aroma of wild wood are intertwined in an original balance, making us travel with images of rain-soaked floors, sprinkled with leaves of rhodide and Scots pine needles.

Nutritional values of the White Truffle : calcium, potassium ,sodium ,magnesium ,iron ,zinc and copper

What is White Truffle?

How to find the white truffle ?

Only an animal's very fine sense of smell can detect the presence of buried truffles. Therefore, truffle harvesting is usually done with dogs and at night, so the typical aromas of the tuber magnetum pico truffle can be found more easily by trained dogs.

Where is the Alba truffE white found?

Tuber Magnatum Pico is the scientific name of the white truffle, which grows in cool and especially humid soils, near streams and grows near trees such as willows or poplars. In fact, these species also have the property of appreciating land that retains rainwater or is located near springs. It is found in very humid terrain on the banks of rivers.

The white truffle prefers a woody environment that is particularly rich in humus: it grows in particular symbiosis with oaks, holm oaks, willows and poplars, whose culture medium has high amounts of calcium and a constant rate of humidity for most of the year.

These favorable conditions for the growth of truffles are found in particular in the Alba area and, more generally, in lower Piedmont, from the Langhe to Monferrato; other collection areas are located in Tuscany in the San Miniato hills, in Molise and in Abruzzo, where it can also be bought at reasonable prices. The most precious of all is considered the Alba white truffle.

In Italy, especially near the town of Alba, Piedmont. Also in the Marche, Tuscany and Umbria regions.

When is the season to collect the white truffle?

The permission granted for the collection of white truffles begins at the end of September, although to find the best ones at their point of maturation, the white truffle magnetum pico needs the arrival of the first cold weather in mid-October, reaching its point of maturation in the month of November. The truffle can be searched until December 31, after this period the collection of Alba White Truffles in wooded areas is prohibited, except in private farms that can be collected until the end of January.

What is the price of the Alba white truffle?

It is also the most delicious and expensive type of truffle, used by top chefs around the world.

Alba white truffles cost between 4,000 and 6,500 euros per kilo.

Its prestige lies in its limited and ephemeral offer.

With what trees do ALBA white truffles grow?

The Alba white truffle, tuber magnatum pico, grows in the plains or in mountainous areas no more than 700 meters above sea level, preferring loamy calcareous soils with good aeration, but never dry. Symbiotic trees with white truffles are oaks, willows, poplars, pines and black hornbeams.

when is the white truffle season?

Alba autoum truffle from october to 31 st december

Truffles have been appreciated, sought after and tasted by Greeks and Romans since ancient times. In ancient Greece, love potions contained truffles.