Truffles & mushrooms

Buying Italian truffles – Discover the flavour of the Apennines

Those looking to buy Italian truffles seek more than just a special ingredient. Truffles bring a characteristic aroma, an earthy flavour, and a touch of Italian gastronomy to the kitchen.

At Kelvini Italian Artisan, located in Casalbore in Campania, you will discover a selection of fresh truffles on order, truffle creams, truffle sauces, truffle oil, truffle honey, and dried porcini mushrooms. From a simple pasta with truffle to a festive dinner: there is a suitable specialty for every preparation.

What types of Italian truffles are there?

Not every truffle tastes the same. The type, the season, and the ripeness largely determine the aroma.

White truffle – Tuber magnatum Pico

The white truffle is among the most valued gastronomic truffles. It is known for its powerful, complex aroma. Fresh white truffle is usually shaved into thin slices over a warm dish just before serving, for example over tagliolini, risotto, or eggs.

Black winter truffle – Tuber melanosporum

This truffle has a deep, characteristic aroma and is valued in refined sauces, potato dishes, risotto, and preparations with butter.

Summer truffle – Tuber aestivum

The summer truffle, also known as scorzone, generally has a subtler aroma. It is versatile and is used in truffle carpaccio, sauces, and creams, among other things.

Bianchetto – Tuber borchii

The bianchetto is a smaller, light-coloured truffle with a pronounced aroma that differs from that of the white Tuber magnatum.

The botanical name is important: terms such as white truffle, black truffle and truffle cream do not always precisely indicate which type has been used.

Ordering fresh truffles: why is the season important?

Fresh truffles are seasonal products. Not all types are harvested in the same months.

The white Tuber magnatum is primarily a specialty of autumn and early winter. Summer truffles are generally available in the warmer months, while the black winter truffle belongs to the colder period.

The exact harvest period varies by type and region. Weather and availability from truffle hunters also play a role.

That is why we offer fresh truffles at Kelvini depending on the season and availability, where necessary on order.

Truffle cream, truffle sauce or truffle oil: what do you choose?

Truffle cream is ideal when you are looking for a soft, creamy flavouring for crostini, pasta, risotto or a warm sauce. In our range, you will find combinations with artichoke, asparagus and porcini.

Truffle sauce is a practical choice for pasta, meat dishes, potatoes and antipasti. The taste and composition vary by producer.

Truffle oil is mainly used to finish a dish. A few drops may be enough to add extra aroma. Preferably add the oil at the end of the preparation.

Truffle butter combines the creaminess of butter with truffle flavour. Delicious with fresh pasta, mashed potatoes, eggs or on warm bread.

Truffle carpaccio consists of thin slices of truffle in a preserving preparation. It is an attractive choice for those who want to present truffle visibly on a dish.

Truffle honey combines sweet and savoury. Try it with aged Italian cheese or as a special accent on a cheese board.

How do you recognise real truffle in a product?

Not every product with the word truffle contains the same amount or type of truffle.

Therefore, always check:

• The botanical name, for example Tuber aestivum or Tuber magnatum.

• The percentage of truffle in the ingredients list.

• Whether the product also contains mushrooms, oil, butter or other flavourings.

• Whether aromas have been added.

• The net weight and recommended uses.

A truffle sauce with a small percentage of truffle is not the same as fresh truffle. That does not automatically make the product less useful: it is about knowing what you are buying and what you want to use it for.

At Kelvini, we find that clarity important.

Dried porcini: another Italian delicacy

In addition to truffles, you will also find dried porcini at Kelvini, known in Italy as funghi porcini.

Although porcini are not truffles, they fit perfectly within the same culinary world of forest aromas, risotto and rich pasta sauces.

Soak dried porcini according to the preparation instructions, so they become soft again. Then use them in risotto ai funghi porcini, mushroom sauce, stews or a creamy pasta.

Which truffle products go with which dish?

Pasta with truffle

For tagliatelle, tagliolini or other pasta, truffle butter, truffle cream and fresh truffle are popular choices. Keep the other ingredients simple, so the truffle aroma is not overwhelmed.

Risotto with truffle

A creamy risotto with Carnaroli or Arborio gets a special accent with truffle cream, truffle butter or freshly shaved truffle.

Pizza with truffle

Use a small amount of truffle cream or truffle oil as a finishing touch. Especially combinations with mushrooms and soft cheese work well.

Antipasti with truffle

Serve crostini with truffle cream, truffle carpaccio or a bit of truffle honey with aged cheese.

Eggs and potatoes

Scrambled eggs, an omelette or mashed potatoes are excellent dishes to let a subtle truffle aroma shine.

How do you store fresh truffles?

Fresh truffles are delicate and gradually lose aroma and quality after harvest.

Store them chilled according to the supplier's advice, preferably in a suitable sealed container with absorbent kitchen paper that is regularly replaced. Avoid long-term storage and use fresh truffles as soon as possible.

The correct storage method and shelf life can vary by type and delivery. Therefore, always follow the specific instructions provided with the truffles.

Truffle creams, sauces, oils and other preserved products each have their own storage instructions. Especially check the instructions after opening.

The secret of Nonna Kelvini

A good truffle pasta doesn't have to be complicated. Cook fresh or dried tagliatelle, reserve a bit of cooking water and mix the pasta with a small amount of butter and truffle cream. Add some cooking water if necessary for a nice, glossy sauce. Finish with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and, when available, a few thin slices of fresh truffle.

Use truffle with care: let the aroma take centre stage.

Frequently asked questions about Italian truffles

What is the difference between white and black truffle?

White and black truffles differ in type, aroma, season and culinary application. The white Tuber magnatum is often shaved raw over warm dishes. Some black truffle varieties are also suitable for warm preparations.

Why are fresh truffles so expensive?

The price depends on the type, availability, harvesting conditions, quality and demand, among other factors. Especially fresh white truffles can be scarce and costly.

Can I buy truffles all year round?

Truffle products such as creams, sauces and oils are often available all year round. Fresh truffles depend on the season and availability.

How much fresh truffle do I need per person?

That strongly depends on the type of truffle, the dish and the desired aroma. As a general kitchen guideline, fresh truffle is often used in grams per person. Ask about the appropriate use for a specific type.

Is truffle oil the same as fresh truffle?

No. Truffle oil is a flavoured oil. The composition varies by product and the aroma is not directly comparable to that of freshly shaved truffle.

Are truffles and porcini the same?

No. Truffles grow underground in association with tree roots. Porcini is a different type of mushroom, known for its firm texture and rich flavour.

Which truffle products are suitable as a gift?

Truffle creams, truffle honey, truffle oil and truffle accessories are attractive choices for lovers of Italian cuisine. A truffle slicer is, for example, a practical gift for someone who enjoys cooking with fresh truffles.

Where can I order Italian truffles online in the Netherlands or Belgium?

At Kelvini Italian Artisan, you can order Italian truffle products from the Netherlands and Belgium. The products are shipped from Italy. Fresh truffles depend on season and availability.

Order Italian truffles and mushrooms at Kelvini

From a special white truffle to a versatile truffle cream, from truffle honey to dried porcini: discover the flavours of the Italian forests and the culinary traditions of Campania.

Browse our range, compare the different preparations and choose the product that suits your dish.