Looking for a new gift idea for your loved ones? Truffles are a fondue staple that's easy to make, quick to enjoy, and very sophisticated. But what is black truffle sea salt anyway? You may have heard of it referred to as "rich salt" or "chocolate salt". But is it really any more than any of those things?
Many online vendors now sell black truffle sea salt as an affordable, high-quality alternative to commercial-grade crystal salt. Because of its high shelf life, most online vendors ship internationally and also sell truffles with a minimum order. Be prepared to shell out more for this authentic-truffle-sized salt but, like authentic truffle oil, black truffle salt easily rivals truffle oil in value/oz. It also holds up to heat well, is relatively low-priced, and can be used in any number of recipes. For instance, it makes an excellent addition to egg whites, cream cheese, and cream-based soups and sauces. It even pairs nicely with spicy fish or chicken, making it an ideal addition to vegetarian meal selections.
A few decades ago, cooks couldn't even imagine using any form of real sea salt on their food. That was simply not possible because sea salt, due to its naturally high mineral content, was so expensive and could only be afforded by the very wealthy! The advent of black truffle salt changed all that. These tiny gemstones can bring back memories of childhood and holiday gatherings when people threw parties and gave everyone they knew a box of chocolates. Today, black truffles are becoming a popular item in fine cuisine circles, thanks to their sophisticated aroma and delectable flavor.
There are a number of different methods for preparing black truffle salt. Traditionally, the pieces are placed in a stainless steel pot, but nowadays, many people use cast iron pans for just such a purpose. If you prefer the old-fashioned method, simply add the dry pieces to a small amount of liquid, such as sherry or wine. You will need to let the mixture steep for a few minutes, or allow the liquid to boil while stirring. After the time has elapsed, the mixture will have an intense, dark color that rivals the best chocolate truffles. If you wish, you may also decide to add a sugar substitute to enhance the taste.
Another method for black truffle salt involves grating the dry powder into fine strips. You can do this with a grater, a food processor, or even a pastry shell. This method is preferred because the texture of the salt is somewhat coarse, unlike refined white or kosher salt. It also leaves behind a fair amount of nutrient content, including vitamin B2 and magnesium chloride. For this reason, it is often used as a healthy alternative to regular table salt.
When buying Italian black truffle salt, it is important to purchase products that come packed in airtight containers. This ensures that no air can get inside the package, which allows you to ensure that the salt does not lose its flavor while in storage. While some flavor may be lost when salt is exposed to air, any unopened packages should remain in the original glass jar or plastic container. Keeping the salt fresh and in its original packaging will help preserve its distinctive aroma for years.
For maximum flavor, it is important to season your Italian black truffles just before serving. This is actually quite easy to do and can be done using a simple mixture of equal parts olive oil, lemon juice, Rosemary, and oregano. In addition, it is important to remember to let your Italian truffles cool down completely before preparing them. Refrigerate them on a hot summer day and allow them to come to room temperature, where they will regain their elastic shape.
There are several different varieties of Italian black truffles, including those that are produced from real black truffles. All of these are naturally salty, however, the most expensive varieties tend to be brined with a solution of minerals. Brined salts are commonly used as table salt, however, they also have decorative qualities. Many brined salts contain copper and silver ions, which give the product a pleasant, metallic taste. Consumers should ensure that they purchase true Italian black truffles, as any other type will simply lack the depth and flavor that only authentic Italian sea salt can provide.
