Notes

The World of Black Truffle Salt
A black truffle (Pterocarpus santalinus) is an underground mushroom that has a white or black cap. It's not a member of the mushroom family of mushrooms called Heracle, since it doesn't have a gills. However, it does share a lot in common with its relatives. They're named for their discoloring black spots on the surface of this dark brown powdery mushroom. These spots occur as small dots when they're growing, which is what gives them their name.

A truffle is actually the fruiting reproductive body of a tiny subterranean ascomycanete fungus, primarily one of the several species of the genus Truffles. It's not unusual to find them growing in damp, dark places, including in old sewage pipes and leaky toilets. In fact, black truffle salt is one of its favorites. This salt is derived from a very rich source, the black fungus itself. It contains minerals such as calcium, sulfur, manganese, zinc, copper, and selenium. In addition to Tuber and other genera of fungi, several other genera of soil-dwelling fungi are also classified as black truffle salts, including Geopora, Peziza, Choiromyces, and more than a hundred others.

The most well-known species is probably the black truffle, also known as Perizzia or Periplums blackifolia. It's a perennial which, when exposed to sunlight, turns black, similar to the way an hour glass might turn black if exposed to sunlight for an extended period. You can't mistake it for a mushroom, since it has a gill - which is what you'll find at the top of its stems. Its spores are small and white; they look like fine sand. They're easily mistaken for other mushrooms.

But while black truffles have long been a source of wonder and prestige for those who love fungi, they're more than just an exotic source of food. Because of their unique and delicious flavor, they've been a favorite of connoisseurs for centuries, even when they were considered herbs or delicacies in their country of origin. But now, they're popular all over the world. That's why a wide variety of manufacturers have created a range of different forms that use this salty flavor in many different ways.

Traditionally, black truffle salt was used as a table salt, but it's rapidly gaining popularity as a kitchen seasoning ingredient. Some people like to use it on crackers or other breads, sprinkling it onto them. Other people add it to fish and poultry dishes, while others include it whole with the meat or vegetables. But the flavor is excellent on almost any kind of food.

To use it, simply mix it into dry ingredients. These could be anything from flour to pastry. Sprinkle it liberally and let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together. Now you're ready to start cooking! You can season fish, poultry, pasta dishes and just about anything else with it. It also goes great on stews or soups, which is another reason why it's become such a popular seasoning ingredient.

For instance, instead of buying expensive bouillon or chicken stock to put into your stew, why not make your own? It's quite easy. All you need is about one teaspoon each of coarse sea salt and fine grain sea salt. Then you just add it to your crock pot or slow cooker and let it go. In about an hour you'll have a delicious and healthy dish that's full of flavor.

If you're worried that black truffle salt is expensive, don't be. While some bulk items like this will cost more than others, the quality is excellent. Often you can find it in small packets so it won't break the bank. And if you buy it in bulk, the cost is much lower than many other spices. So go ahead and stock up on these wonderful little salts as they'll go a long way in your pantry and in your cooking.
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