Produce Briefs...
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Oregon Black truffles are available in winter through early spring.
Current Facts
Oregon Black truffles, scientific name Leucangia carthusiana, are a relatively unknown, unique and undervalued truffle in the market, selling for a fraction of the price of their European counterparts. They command a higher price than Oregon White truffles though because they are more elusive, growing deeper, while also less productive.
Description/Taste
Oregon Black truffles are roughly spherical with a warty surface and tiny, moon-like pock marks. They are black at maturity and will turn a greyish-green when they have become too mature. Their flesh is white and grey turning brown once exposed to air or overly matured. They have a musky and fruity aroma that is often reminiscent of apples and pineapples. Their texture can be compared to a hard grating cheese or ground almonds. The flavor is less significant than aroma, rather earthy and mild.
Applications
Black Oregon truffles can withstand heat, making them ideal for adding to cooked cream sauces and tossing with hot pasta. They can be shaved fresh as a finishing element or infused into sauces to add depth. The volatile compounds that release truffles' distinct aroma are compromised when overcooked, but fats can capture and encapsulate those aromas. Thus, it is often that they are paired with rich foods such as meat, cheese and eggs. Black Oregon truffles pair well with lobster, caviar, fois gras, butter, garlic, shallots, light-bodied vinegars, mascarpone, fresh soft and aged hard cheeses, citrus and herbs such as tarragon, basil and arugula. Black Oregon truffles will keep, dry and tightly wrapped or stored in rice, for approximately seven days.
Geography/History
Oregon's climate and soil is perfect for truffle production. They can be found on young, dense, low elevation truffle plantations near Douglas Fir trees. The native truffles are harvested from Douglas Fir woodlands throughout the Pacific Northwestf rom Nothern California to British Columbia. Oregon Black truffles are also domesticated. The optimum conditions for establishing a Black truffle truffière (truffle plantation) are warm summers and cool winters, naturally acidic soils, irrigation water and the absence of other trees that may have competing fungi on their roots. It could take upwards of ten to twenty years to establish a truffle crop so wild harvesting is still the dominant source. Unfortunately this has its consequences. Too often, rakes (instead of dogs) are used to collect truffles in productive areas. This leads to collections containing immature truffles and reduces North American truffles' overall value. It also leads to damaged soils and makes future truffle crops uncertain.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Oregon Black Truffles. One
is easiest, three is harder.| One Perfect Bite |
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Truffled Mac n' Cheese |
| French Laundry at Home |
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Potato Chips with Truffle Dip |
| No Recipes |
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Black Truffle & Cheese Grits |
| The Taste of Oregon |
|
Roast Chicken with Truffles |
