Know-how
Melanosporum or Brumale: Two Different Black Truffles
The same season and similar appearance, but distinct aromas, marbling and uses: learn how to tell them apart.
La Truffe française · Identification · appearance, cut, aroma and cooking
Two species, never interchangeable
Tuber melanosporum and Tuber brumale are distinct species found during winter. Their exterior can look similar; identification relies on several indicators and, when in doubt, the opinion of an experienced person.
What to observe
- The cut surface: the colour of the flesh and the delicacy and pattern of the white veins.
- The aroma: deep and complex in melanosporum, often more direct and musky in brumale.
- Texture and maturity: assessed specimen by specimen, never from exterior colour alone.
In the kitchen
Melanosporum is particularly expressive when added off the heat to eggs, risotto or poultry. Brumale has its own qualities and can suit sauces, stuffings or hot preparations when the quantity is adjusted after tasting. The House identifies and presents the two species separately.