The use of truffles in cooking has been around for centuries. It has been traced back to fourth century BC by many neo-Sumerian tribes. The uses of truffles died off until the age of Renaissance revitalized their use. In the 17th century French cuisine started to use truffles more for their unique flavor. Truffles were very popular in Parisian markets in the 1780’s. They were imported seasonally from truffle grounds, where peasants had long enjoyed their secret.
Around the 18th century, Italy’s use of olive oil was infused with truffles. This started the truffle oil trend as seen today. Truffle oil is often used as a lower cost and convenient substitute for truffles. It will provide similar flavoring to enhance the aroma of truffles in cooking. The truffle oil sold today is much different than when it was originally created.
Truffle oil today uses olive oil that is artificially flavored with a synthetic agent like 2,4-dithiapentane. Many restaurants use the inexpensive synthetic truffle oil because it is considered a reasonable substitute. The emergence and growth of truffle oil has led to an increase in the availability of foods claiming to be made with or flavored with truffles, in an era when the price of truffles has pushed them out of reach for most diners.
Depending on what you cooking preferences are, there are many different types of truffle oils, from ubani, roland, and the more popular la tourangelle. If you are new to cooking with truffle oil, do a little research on truffle oil reviews to find the best fit for you cooking style. If you don’t have a specialty cooking store near you, your best bet is to buy truffle oil online.









