Black Truffle Prague: Where The Underground Diamond Reigns Supreme

Introduction
Truffles are one of the most prized and luxurious ingredients in the culinary world. These rare, aromatic fungi grow underground in symbiotic relationships with tree roots and are highly sought after for their unique flavors and aromas. This guide explores the different types of truffles, their products, market prices, and how to use them in cookin

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Preservation and Innovation
Advances in freezing technology have expanded access to out-of-season truffles, while dehydrated slices cater to budget-conscious chefs. However, purists argue that nothing replicates the ephemeral allure of freshly shaved Tuber magnatum. As sustainable cultivation techniques improve, prices for farmed truffles, particularly Tuber melanosporum, are gradually declining.

The menu is a carefully curated symphony where truffles play the lead role across every movement. Executive Chef Jan Horký, who honed his skills in kitchens across Europe before embracing the truffle-centric philosophy, approaches his ingredients with reverence and creativity. "Respecting the truffle is paramount," Chef Horký states. "Its flavor is powerful yet nuanced. Our job is to find the perfect partners – ingredients that complement without overwhelming, that allow the truffle's unique character to shine through in every bite."

This philosophy manifests in dishes that are both luxurious and deeply satisfying. Appetizers set the stage with flair. Imagine delicate beef carpaccio, paper-thin and glistening, adorned with generous shavings of fresh black truffle, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and perhaps a whisper of aged Parmesan. Or perhaps the signature Black Truffle Pâté, a velvety blend of foie gras and truffles, served with crisp toast points – a decadent whisper of things to come.

Truffle Varieties
1. White Truffle (Tuber magnatum)
Known as the "diamond of the kitchen," the Italian white truffle (Tuber magnatum) is the most expensive and aromatic. It has a pungent, garlicky aroma and is typically shaved fresh over dishes like pasta and risott


For restaurateurs, the economics are daunting. At London’s three-Michelin-starred Le Jardin, Chef Arnaud Blanc has recalibrated his signature truffle risotto. "Five years ago, I’d use 15 grams per plate. Now? Three grams, meticulously shaved," he admits. Some establishments impose truffle supplements of £40-£100 per dish, while others pivot to infused oils or synthetic alternatives. Yet purists resist compromise. "The musty, earthy depth of a fresh Périgord truffle is irreplaceable," insists New York supplier Marco Ricci. "Demand hasn’t dipped—it’s migrated. We’re air-freighting overnight to Dubai and Seoul weekly

Byline: Eleanor Vance, Gastronomy Correspondent
PARIS—In the hushed, wood-paneled auction rooms of Sotheby’s and the misty oak forests of France’s Périgord region, a quiet frenzy is unfolding. Black truffles (Tuber melanosporum), the elusive "black diamonds" of haute cuisine, are commanding unprecedented prices as global demand surges and climate-driven scarcity tightens supply chains. Wholesale buyers report costs exceeding €1,200 per kilogram—a 40% spike since 2020—with premium specimens fetching up to €2,500/kg at December’s inaugural Singapore Truffle Auction. This surge is reshaping menus, challenging chefs, and igniting both innovation and concern across the culinary worl

White truffle (Tuber magnatum): $2,000–$5,000 per kg
Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum): $800–$2,000 per kg
Summer truffle (Tuber aestivum): $200–$600 per kg

When buying truffles, look for reputable sellers who offer freshness guarantees and reliable deliver

Culinary and Commercial Applications
Minced black truffles, preserved in oil or frozen, are popular for infusing dishes like pasta, risotto, and sauces. Dehydrated truffles retain some aroma but lack the complexity of fresh specimens. Truffle wholesalers often supply frozen white truffles, which maintain 70–80% of their freshness for up to six months when stored at -18°C (-0.4°F). Burgundy truffles (Tuber uncinatum), harvested in autumn, are favored for their nutty flavor and cost $200–$500 per kg.

Truffle Hunting and Dog Training
Truffle hunting traditionally uses trained dogs (or pigs) to locate truffles underground. Special kits with truffle-scented oils help train dogs for this purpose. Note that truffle oil for cooking should not be given to dogs, as some ingredients may be harmfu