truffles

views updated May 29 2018

truffles
1. Edible fungi growing underground, associated with roots of oak trees; very highly prized for their aroma and flavour. Most highly prized is the French black or Perigord truffle, Tuber melanosporum, added to pâté de foie gras. Others include: white Piedmontese truffle, T. magnatum; summer truffle; T. aestivum, and violet truffle, T. brumale; see also mushrooms.

2. Chocolate truffles, a mixture of chocolate, sugar, cream, and often rum, covered with chocolate strands or cocoa powder.

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