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Summer truffle is the only kind of black truffle that grows in Russia. It belongs to the delicacies. You can not find it anywhere. Consider what the representatives of this species look like when they are bearing fruit, and what kind of related mushrooms exist.
For many years, researchers argued about whether black truffles are found in nature in our country. But today everyone knows that this question can be answered positively. The fungus of this species is very rare in nature, but it still exists.
Description
Summer truffle has the Latin name Tuber aestivum. It is a marsupial mushroom that can be eaten. The species has several other names. For example, Scorzone, Burgundy. This is the only species of this genus that grows in Russia.
The body of the fungus has an irregular shape. Truffle grows in the form of a large tuber.The diameter of the body can be 3-10 cm. The surface of the tuber is uneven, tuberculate. There are large warts on it. The color of the fungus is black. Sometimes it may have a brown tint.
Young mushrooms have dense flesh, but later it begins to gradually become loose. At first it has a yellow or gray tint, and then brown. The cut clearly shows streaks that look like a marble pattern. Taste is very appreciated by gourmets. It is sweetish, has a light walnut flavor, a pleasant bright aroma that resembles the smell of algae or wood.
Where and when grows
Fruiting occurs throughout the summer. It ends at the beginning of autumn. That's what this kind of view is called. But in some regions this period begins only in July and can last until late autumn.
It grows in the ground. Favorite places - deciduous forests. But often grows in mixed. Depth may vary. As a rule, it is 4-15 cm. But sometimes it can grow at a depth of 30 cm. They are located in groups or one by one. Sometimes an old truffle can rise to the surface. In the coniferous forest they can also be found, but this happens very rarely. They can be seen near the oak, hornbeam, sometimes near the birch.With these trees they form mycorrhiza.
Often, midges may be circling above the surface of the soil where the truffle lies. It is on this basis that it is sometimes possible to find a mushroom.
This species grows not only in Russia, but also in the southern part of Scandinavia, as well as in the center of Europe. Quite a lot of summer truffles are found on the territory of Crimea. Here they grow throughout. In some regions, it is extremely rare. For example, in the Tula and Belgorod regions. Back in the 19th century, local people gathered this mushroom for sale in the Podolsk province. Dogs often help a person to collect. For this, representatives of such breeds as the dachshund and the Yorkshire terrier are used.
Similar species
This type is very similar to the Perigord truffle, which is considered one of the most valuable delicacies in the world. The only difference between them is that in the Perigord mushroom the pulp darkens with time and acquires a brown color with a violet hue.
How to cook
Summer truffle is not just fit for human consumption. It belongs to the expensive delicacies and is very appreciated by gourmets.But other types of truffles are even more valuable than him. First, the fruit body is well washed from all dirt with a brush. This product is usually a supplement to dishes with a faint smell. It is added to meat and vegetables.
High temperatures do not process it. Summer truffle is cut into thin slices or even chips, and then spread on a freshly cooked hot dish. They warm up, then give the dish flavor.
Any feast will be exquisite, if it will be attended by these delicious mushrooms. But the problem is that it is very difficult to find them. Sometimes people go after them even to another region in order to gather for themselves this rare delicacy. One can say about whether he is so special only after you try it.
Growing up
Many wonder about the possibility of self-cultivation. How can this be done, and in what conditions? In the wild, truffles are spread through the forest fauna. Animals find the truffle and eat it.Then the spores of the fungus leave their body along with the feces. If the spores get to the roots of the tree, they will begin to develop, as they usually form a symbiosis with them.
In Europe and China, entrepreneurial businessmen are engaged in independent truffle cultivation. The technology has been known for a long time. But white truffle cannot be grown on its own.
To grow this mushroom, you must create the necessary conditions for it. It is necessary that the area was suitable soil, weather, and also trees.
Modern farmers grow special oak groves. To do this, take acorns from the oak, under which the truffle was found.
How to search
Finding these mushrooms is a complex process. Those who are engaged in this, have in their arsenal a lot of tricks. It is known that the place where this fungus grows has a somewhat stunted vegetation, and the surface of the soil has a grayish tint.
As a rule, the body of the fungus is in the ground. Seeing it on the surface is a great luck. But, if you saw a few bumps, they should be unearthed. Perhaps this is a group of truffles. Real professionals among mushroom pickers find such places by tapping with a stick on the ground. But this requires a lot of experience. The location can also be determined by the accumulation of midges above the ground.
Video: Russian truffle
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