How Long Do Black Summer Truffles Last

Slofoodgroup Team August 06, 2022

We are nearing the end of summer truffle season, which typically lasts from April or May into August. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find truffle products, but it does mean that you’ll have to wait at least 8 months before you are able to get your hands on the intoxicating aroma and intensity of flavor that graces the flesh of fresh black summer truffles. I know, I know; summer is a busy time for a lot of us. Finding the extra time to experiment with new ingredients seems much more fitting as a winter activity, but if you can make the time to embark on a culinary adventure with fresh summer truffles, you won’t be sorry!

We highly recommend these summer black truffles and they ship quickly, which is incredibly important because truffles begin to lose their flavor and aroma as soon as they are harvested. Reading that little tidbit of information might lead you to question how long black summer truffles last in the first place. Is it really even worth your while to order fresh truffles? 

The short answer is, “YES”. That said, it’s absolutely imperative that you are ordering from a reputable company that is going the extra mile to get you your truffles quickly. If you are ordering fresh summer truffles online, you’ll want to choose a company that will ship overnight or the next day. The truffles should be packed in insulated boxes with ice packs and should be wrapped individually. Such measures will ensure optimal freshness upon arrival.

Tips On Using and Storing Fresh Black Summer Truffles

How to store black summer truffles:

Despite the fact that truffles thrive when growing in wet climates, their flavor and texture will quickly diminish in humid environments after being harvested. For this reason, we recommend wrapping each truffle individually in a clean paper towel prior to placing them in a dry, sterilized, glass jar. When not in use, they should be stored in the refrigerator.

In lieu of paper towels, you can also cover the truffles completely in rice, prior to placing them in the glass-sealed jar. Some of the aroma will impart itself into the rice, but that just means you’ll have the ingredients for delicious truffle-scented rice!

How long will fresh truffles last?

If stored using the aforementioned method, the time it takes your truffles to lose flavor and aroma will be extended. Still, it is best to use your truffles within 3-5 days. You may find that you still have a lingering truffle flavor at 7 days, but we highly recommend using them as soon as possible. 

How to preserve black truffles:

Preserving truffles is a good way to ensure you have a truffle flavor to add to dishes year-round, but keep in mind that they will never emit that same aroma or as intense of a flavor as when they are fresh. Fresh truffles aren’t always around, though, and even when they are, there are times when you just aren’t able to use them all. So here are some ways to preserve your truffles:

• Freeze them.
  Freezing truffles will get a little more life out of them and it is easy to do. This is probably the easiest method of preserving a whole truffle. To do so, ensure your truffles are absolutely clean and dry. You’ll then want to store them in a clean bag, removing as much air as possible before closing it. Even better, vacuum seal them to remove the air. From there you can place them in the freezer for up to a couple of months. 
  
  
• Preserve them in oil or butter.
  If you aren’t set on preserving a whole truffle but care more about the flavor and aroma, you might want to consider preserving them in oil or butter. For oil, shave the truffles and place them in a clean jar, covered in oil. Make sure no part of the truffle is sticking out of the oil. For the butter, mince your truffle and blend it into the butter. Wrap it in parchment paper and place it in a zip-sealed bag, removing as much air as possible. Store iit in the freezer and slice pats of the butter as needed for flavoring potatoes, rice, eggs, or anything else. You will love it for finishing steak!

What if you can’t find fresh black summer truffles?

If the season has passed and you are unable to find summer truffles fresh or you don’t think you will be able to use them right away, we recommend trying a preserved black summer truffle such as these preserved whole truffles or this black truffle carpaccio.