Fresh truffles are one of the world’s finest gastronomic delights, but are rare enough that many people aren’t sure exactly how to prepare them. 

How to cook with fresh truffles:

Fresh truffles are heat sensitive.  While warmth unlocks the truffle’s aroma and flavor, high heat can minimize it, so truffles should be used as a finishing ingredient for best flavor and aroma.  Black truffles can be shaved on to food near the very end of the cooking process, or once the food has been plated.  White truffles are slightly more delicate and should not be shaved over food until after the food has been removed from the heat.  The intensity of white truffles is best enjoyed when they’re shaved over plated food. 

Incidentally, just before serving is also the best time to use truffle products like truffle oils, truffle salt, and truffle butter.

How to slice fresh truffles:

While you certainly can use a sharp knife to thinly slice your truffles, it will be easier (and significantly faster) to use a truffle slicer.  Truffle slicers are small hand-held mandolines that use a razor-sharp adjustable blade to cut ultra-thin truffle shavings at a consistent thickness. 

Using a truffle slicer is easy, simply turn the dial to your approximate desired thickness, and draw the truffle across the blade.  Check the shaving and adjust the dial again until you get exactly the thickness you’re looking for. 

Once you’ve found the right setting, go crazy shaving your fresh truffles over pasta, risotto (truffle risotto recipe), polenta, egg dishes and even poultry & meats. 

Looking for more ways to use your fresh truffles?  Check out our truffle recipes!