One of the most highly coveted treats is truffles, that luscious, golden-brown gourmet food with a tempting aroma. It's known for its high medicinal value, being used in medical diagnosis and treatment of several conditions including cardiovascular problems, immune system failure, arthritis, and digestive disorders. Its presence in the human diet has also been proven to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Here, I'll tell you about the fascinating history of black truffle sea salt and how it became such a sensation in the culinary world.
A truffle is actually the fruiting body of an underground ascomycetous fungus, mainly one of the largest species of this genus, also known as Tuber. Other species in the family include the Asmodium, which has a brown rot on its leaves, Geocarpum, with a black, powdery exterior, Pterocarpum, with a black, powdery exterior, and the Passiflora, which has black, leathery flesh. Some of these species grow up to four inches in diameter. The black truffle sea salt, which is harvested from the interior of these mushrooms, is known for its high medicinal value, being used in medicine for the treatment of various conditions like heart diseases, respiratory problems, wounds, inflammation, and kidney stones.
Most sea salts have the same chemical composition, being different from one another in the sodium and magnesium content. Because black truffles contain large amounts of magnesium and iron, they tend to have a salty flavor, sometimes described as "tartar". This taste can be improved by adding flavorings or herbs. Generally, sea salts are sold in packets with an assortment of herbs or spices, whereas the black truffle salt is sold by itself in small packets, or in large single-dose containers.
Black truffles are used both for their exquisite flavor and because of their medicinal values. Many people are familiar with the medicinal properties of truffles, which have been found to have many healing qualities. These include being able to relieve tension, stimulate the glands that create endorphins, and regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Although the therapeutic value of black truffles is well established, they are primarily used as a very flavorful topping for baked dishes. When made into a pasty, these sea salts provide an intense, delicious flavor that is impossible to miss. People also use black truffles in savory soups, stews, and casseroles. They make a delicious addition to vegetable dishes and salads, too, since the salty flavor of them cuts through the bitterness of the greens and vegetables.
The salt's earthy flavor is most commonly found in Italian truffles. It is the mixture of various ingredients that gives the dish its unique taste. In Italy, the black truffle salt is often considered the real thing, unlike its far more expensive American cousin. In America, however, its image as a high-end luxury product has tarnished it somewhat. Most authentic Italian black truffle salt is no more than a grain of salt.
You can also buy sea salts in bags, although the bags are less common. In many cases, the bag of sea salt that you purchase will not have any sort of identifying marks on it, so you will not know exactly which brand of it you are looking at. As a result, buying sea salts in bags may not always be as convenient as just tossing a few in your kitchen drawer. For added convenience, you may want to consider buying the sea salts directly from a land-based supplier, as this will help guarantee a quality product and enhance its appearance as well. Also, sea salts are far easier to store and use, as opposed to many other varieties of seasoning or bulk foods.
Regardless of whether you are using it for salty or scrambled eggs, it will add an entirely new dimension to the dishes you prepare. Aged black truffle salt creates a distinctive flavor in food that cannot easily be duplicated by other spices. Although the flavor of truffle salt varies from one brand to another, each manufacturer usually puts its own unique mark on the salt. This means that if you buy sea salt from your local grocer, you might find that instead of white, your food will come with a hint of black. If you are looking for a unique way to up the flavor in your cooking, look into purchasing this type of salt.
