The Origin of Black Périgord Truffles
Did you know that black Périgord Truffles are titled after a region with the same name in France? Also known as Tuber melanosporum, black truffle, Périgord truffle or French Black truffle, this delicacy is an international favourite of chefs and foodies alike.
In Sorges, a village just outside Périgord, there is a museum known as the Ecomusee de la Truffe which is entirely dedicated to... you guessed it, Périgord truffles! The museum opened in 1982. Displays inside feature interactive exhibits to help viewers understand the history, cultivation, and culinary significance of the truffle.
Although Périgord truffles originated in Europe, they have now been successfully cultivated in other parts of the world, including the stunning Bay of Plenty, home to Ohiwa Black Diamonds.
Black Périgord truffles can be identified by their dark outer skin, ridged with diamond shaped 'pyramid' formations and a marbled chocolate or dark grey colour when ripe.
Where can you find them? Périgord truffles grow below trees, most commonly Oak in New Zealand. It's important to ensure that growers have their trees are well spaced as truffled require a good amount of light and air circulation to grow.
Would you like to know more about truffle cultivation? Get in touch by emailing trufflesohiwa@gmail.com
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