TRUFFLES
of the earth Truffles have been around for a long time but as we head towards a new year, perceptions are likely to change, says Christian Di Tata, account manager at Be Truffle. ELITE INGREDIENT Truffles date back to ancient times and were considered a gift from the gods by the Greeks and Romans, who used these precious fungi for both cooking and medicinal purposes. During the Middle Ages, they continued to be viewed as a prized item – often used as a bargaining chip amongst nobles and feudal lords, as
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they earned the status of true gastronomic delicacy. It was during the Renaissance that the popularity and esteemed desirability of truffles reached their peak, with these precious ‘jewels of the earth’ served at indulgent banquets, establishing them as a marker of wealth and social status. As time went on, the truffle went through periods of
decline, due to deforestation which represented a loss of its natural growing environment. Fast forward to the 19th century and a boost in popularity, thanks to conservation efforts and a heightened interest in gastronomy. Today, truffles are synonymous with luxurious
fine dining, regarded as a sought-after ingredient amongst prestigious chefs and the foodie elite, with a price tag that is prohibitive to the average consumer. But while truffles will always be positioned as an iconic ingredient, delivering a
www.pizzapastamagazine.co.uk 13/12/2024 14:23