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Grading Truffles

Albertina Roca
  |   January 16, 2015   |  

There is one very important thing to always remember when looking to buy fresh truffles: winter is the peak of the truffle season. So no matter what they say, a truffle will be at its best, and most flavorful during the winter harvest, which typically goes from October to March and peaks December to January. Also, you must remember that weather conditions change depending on the year and the geographic location, so there are other factors that affect truffle harvests, like an unusually warm winter, or an early spring.

Truffles are categorized according to color - black or white - and season — winter or summer- but you will also find other categories relating to origin, such as Italian or French truffles, which you should really ignore, as it really does not make a difference in flavor or quality (unless its categorized “Asian” in which case it indicates a different species of mushroom altogether- see our Chinese Truffles Section).

Grades

Within every seasonal and color category, you will also find grades, marks of quality that will typically indicate price and availability. One important detail to remember is that bigger truffles fetch bigger prices because truffles are priced by weight, not size. So, a bigger truffle will be heavier, and therefore cost more. Size does not affect the flavor, aroma or quality of truffles.

Super Extra

The best, largest truffles, almost the size of a grapefruit. Very rare to find, and very expensive.

Extra Grade

Oblong truffles about the size of ping-pong balls that are popularly used at restaurants. Constitute about ten percent of the crops and are fairly expensive.

First Choise

The ones you'll most commonly be able to find (and afford), these are the lower grade truffles. They vary in size, typically about the size of large berries.

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9/17/2016
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Author

Albertina Roca

Copywriter & Certified Cheese Addict

Meet Albertina, a seasoned food writing wordsmith and marketing creative split between the sizzling vibes of Miami and the charming streets of Buenos Aires. With a solid 20 years in the traditional and digital advertising world for the gourmet food industry, she’s mastered the art of making words as mouthwatering as the dishes they describe. She’s proudly been part of the Gourmet Food Store family (and its brands) since its very beginnings, and what a fun, flavor-packed journey it has been!

Highlights

Albertina's journey in copywriting is marked by a passion for creativity and a knack for connecting with audiences. Her expertise spans SEO-driven content that boosts visibility, engaging social media strategies that spark conversations, persuasive advertising campaigns that captivate, and heartfelt storytelling that resonates deeply.

Experience

With a diverse portfolio spanning numerous articles, blogs, and captivating content pieces, Albertina has left her mark on the industry. From informative guides to persuasive sales copy, her work not only informs but also inspires action.

Education and Background

Her journey began at Rutgers College, where she studied in History and Political Science, with a minor in English Lit. She honed her craft at The Miami Ad School in South Beach, where creativity and copy collided under the South Florida Sun. From the neon streets of South Beach to the tango beats of Buenos Aires, her pen dances with the rhythm of whatever gastronomic tales she gets to write at the time.

Currently savoring life in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she’s bilingual in English and Spanish, an avid reader, and cheese addict.

Her writing? Seasoned with creativity, spiced with experience, and garnished with a dash of wit.

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