Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a truffle?
- How do we pack our truffles?
- How can I keep my truffles fresh?
- How quickly will my order ship?
The Truffle Story
Many people are aware of an edible subterranean fungus called a truffle that was harvested with the help of pigs. To the epicure, it is considered a delicacy. Tuber and Tuber Magnatum, the black truffle, is found in Perigord, France. Truffles are round, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, pungent, have a wrinkled surface and grow in symbiotic relationship with the roots of large trees in calcareous soil. They are harvested from the beginning of December to late January. Today, dogs are used to locate truffles because they are less likely to eat their find.
The Truffle became popular late in the 15th century and is often used as a flavor for sauces and as a garnish. Due to their scarcity, truffles remain extremely expensive.
How do we get from fungus to chocolate?
A European confectioner mixed chocolate and heavy cream together to form ganache - a thick, creamy mass that was the center of a truffle. The ganache or center was then shaped into small spheres, dipped in chocolate and then rolled in cocoa powder on a wire rack. These chocolates looked much like the fungus. Because of their similar appearance, rarity, and the status they share as delicacies, these confections became known as truffles.
How Do We Pack Our Truffles
We pack them with care.
Ideal Conditions for Your Truffles
Ideally, Truffles should be stored in a cool, dry place - away from the sun and odors. Because the environment affects the shelf-life of truffles, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature of 68° F with a relative humidity of 50%. This combination will help ensure six months of fresh, flavorful truffles.
One misconception is that truffles can be placed in the same display case as cakes or other refrigerated desserts. Moisture from these items will cause sugar to bloom within the truffles. This will be evident by a dull, white, powdery haze on the surface. Customers may inquire about how to store truffles for a long period of time. Placing the truffles in an airtight container and freezing them will keep them fresh. However, when it is time to take them out of the freezer, let the truffles reach room temperature in the sealed container - otherwise, they will bloom or perspire.
Always enjoy truffles at room temperature, to savor their richness.
Fast & Fresh Delivered To You
Your Truffles Ship the Same Day you order - Year Round!
The fastest and freshest way to receive your product is for Birnn to ship directly to your door. After hours, please leave your order on our voicemail or email it to us (truffles@birnn.com) and it will ship the next day per your instructions.