Truffles are fungi similar to mushrooms that grow underground near tree roots. The white truffles tend to be intense and smooth in texture, while the black ones are milder with a rough exterior. Though they are available in various species because they’re not easy to cultivate, they are hard to find, making them pricey. Black Winter truffles are celebrated and grown in different regions. Meanwhile, the Perigord truffle grows in France’s southwest region and is much coveted but can also be found in other places as well.
Truffles are considered a delicacy and when fresh their flavors last up to seven days. You can cook them, and they are often sliced and placed on salads or other foods. Additionally, they are used to infuse cooking oils like olive oil, making enjoying their flavor more accessible. If you’re looking for the best truffle oil brands, we’ve got the list for you.
But first, let’s discuss selecting the best truffle oil for you. While there are plenty of amazing options out there, there are also plenty of fakes. To make sure we found the best truffle oil brands available right now, we caught up with Susi Gott Séguret, a certified culinary professional, certified wine specialist and author of Cooking With Truffles.
“Read the label and if it says ‘truffle flavor,’ ‘truffle aroma,’ or even simply ‘made with real black truffles’ or ‘made with real white truffles’ without denoting a specific species, it may have been previously dried,” says Séguret. “Even if there is a piece of truffle floating in it, it will have been previously dried, and therefore rendered flavorless,” she says. So does that mean you should avoid these options at all costs? No, not necessarily. But if you’re paying truffle prices, and doing it all for that pungent, delectable truffle flavor, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
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If that all feels overwhelming, don’t sweat it! That’s what SPY is here for. We did the research and found the best truffle oil brands to check out right now. And on top of that, if you’re so inclined, we even rounded up the best truffles to buy if you want to make your own oil at home.
Ready to get cooking? Take a look at our list of the best truffle oil brands below!
1. Regalis Black Truffle Oil
Regalis Black Truffle Oil infuses estate-grown California extra-virgin olive oil with black winter truffles from Spain. Its flavor works best when drizzled — not cooked with— on top of chicken, potatoes or pasta. If you really appreciate the pungent taste of truffles this is the bottle for you.
2. TruffleHunter, White Truffle Oil
TruffleHunter cold-pressed extra virgin olive as its first ingredient in its white truffle oil. Cold-pressing releases the delicate flavors of olive without damaging them. While its star ingredient, white truffle, is used to help emit a garlicky aroma. It only has a 13-month shelf life and is best stored in a dark cupboard. Lightly drizzle it over risotto.
3. Williams Sonoma, White Truffle Pizza Oil
Williams Sonoma’s White Truffle Pizza Oil is an easy way to upgrade your pizza. It is made with extra virgin olive oil infused with Italian white truffle essence and roasted shallots. While the sweet taste of shallots doesn’t blunt the truffles’ taste, the overall flavor is muted compared to others as this oil is made with truffle essence. Still, if you love drenching your pasta in garlic and oil, you will appreciate this.
4. Gusta USDA Organic White Truffle Oil
Gusta organic olive oil with truffle is made in Alba, Italy — a region revered for its white truffles — and blends extra-virgin olive oil with white truffle flakes and aroma using a cold preservation technique to maintain taste. Try it on your popcorn or drizzled on your mac and cheese.
5. TRUFF Hot Sauce
While this isn’t exactly an oil, it is worth mentioning since it is a best seller on Amazon. TRUFF Hot Sauce is infused with black truffle, chili peppers and organic agave nectar from Jalisco, Mexico. And if this one doesn’t have enough of a kick for you, the brand also makes a spicier version TRUFF Hotter Sauce. It is made with red chili peppers, black truffle, jalapeño pepper, red habanero Powder and olive oil. Try it on your eggs or chicken wings.
How to Make your Own Truffle Oil
If you want to be able to control the flavor of the truffle oil, you can be creative and make it yourself. Just follow this super simple recipe courtesy of Susi Gott Séguret.
Truffled Oil
1 truffle
1 cup mild olive oil
Bring oil to warm (not hot) temperature in a saucepan. Stir in shaved truffle and allow to steep until cool. If using right away, leave the truffle slivers in the oil. If keeping for a few days, strain the oil and keep it in an airtight container in a cool place. Use the truffle slivers in a sauce or add to a sandwich or scrambled eggs. Drizzle the truffle oil in soups on purees, or use to dip bread or lightly steamed asparagus stalks.
1. Urbani, Black Winter Truffles
We can’t promise that finding fresh truffles to make your truffle oil will be easy. In the summer, white truffles tend to be less expensive than black truffles. But it isn’t impossible to find good deals on black truffles. Urbani’s harvesting season in Europe is from December to March and in Australia it is from June to August. For these and all fresh fungi, it is best to store them in the refrigerator and use them within two to three days of receipt, to maintain their taste.
2. Urbani, Bianchetti Truffles
Bianchetti truffles are similar to white truffles. They have a sharp and garlicky flavor that makes them great for not only infusing but also for enhancing cream sauces. They are seasonal and less expensive than black truffles and boast a milder taste.
3. D’Artagnan, Italian White Truffle
D’Artagnan sources its white truffles from an area in Italy known as Alba. The truffles from that region are well regarded for their unique taste. Their season is from September to December. They are a little more affordable than black truffles. To release and enjoy their earthy flavor, shave them over mixed veggies or french fries.
4. Truffle Dog Co, Pecan Truffles
Pecan truffle, also known as Tuber lyonii, is primarily found in the southern United States. Like pecans, they have a nutty taste and even a musty aroma. Their primary season is mid to late summer through fall, they can also be available year-round in the wild but should be harvested by professionals.
5. Cooking with Truffles: A Chef’s Guide by Susi Gott Séguret
You can pre-order Séguret’s upcoming book, Cooking with Truffles: A Chef’s Guide for great ideas on how to enjoy truffles. It has 150 recipes and talks about the history of truffles. And if you have a foodie in your life with an upcoming birthday, this cookbook makes a fantastic gift!
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