Melanosporum
1 – T. brumale, 2 – T. indicum, 3-5 – T. melanosporum at different levels of maturity
Scientific Name
Tuber melanosporum
Common Names
Black Truffle, Perigord Truffle, French Truffle, Perigord Black Truffle
Seasons
December – March in Northern Hemisphere
June – September in Southern Hemisphere
Description
The second most popular truffle after the white truffle. Round, dark brown, black-brown skin with small pyramidal cusps. They normally reach a size of up to 10 cm (3.9 in). Some may be significantly larger. Their flesh is initially white, then dark when mature. It is permeated by white veins which turn brown with age.
Aroma/Flavor
When mature they have a strong, aromatic smell. The scent is reminiscent of undergrowth, strawberries, wet earth or dried fruit with a hint of cocoa. Their taste, which fully develops after the truffles are heated, is slightly peppery and bitter.
Distribution
Found in the wild throughout the Mediterranean, and is successfully farmed both in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
See grading guidelines
Other species
- Tuber aestivum (black summer truffle)
- Tubber Borchii (bianchetto)
- Tuber Brumale (Muscato truffle)
- Kalapuya Brunea (Oregon brown truffle)
- Leucangium carthusianum (Oregon black truffle)
- Tuber canaliculatum (Appalachian truffle)
- Tuber gibbosum (Oregon white truffle)
- Tuber lyonii (pecan truffle)
- Tuber macrosporum (smooth black truffle)
- Tuber magnatum (white truffle)
- Tuber melanosporum (Perigord truffle)
- Tuber oregonese (Oregon white truffle)
- Tuber uncinatum (Burgundy truffle)
