Dean’s Sweets – how do truffles get their name? (2024)

FAQs

Dean’s Sweets – how do truffles get their name? ›

A: Truffles originated in France in 1895 and it was here that the ball of chocolate ganache dusted with cocoa received the name, truffle. As it turns out, truffles are named after the mushrooms of the similar name because of their resemblance to the dark and rumpled mushroom.

The name 'truffle' came from the chocolate balls' strong physical resemblance to the valuable truffle fungus once he had covered his invention in cocoa powder.

The name derives from the chocolate truffle's similarity in appearance to truffles, a tuber fungus. It was created in the city of Chambéry by the pastry chef Louis Dufour.

Most sources agree that the term "truffle" derives from the Latin term tūber or the Vulgar Latin tufera, meaning "swelling" or "lump". This then entered other languages through Old French dialects.

The name “truffle” comes from their resemblance to mushroom-like fungus, considered a delicacy of the same name. The main ingredient besides chocolate is heavy cream. Basically, all truffles are fine chocolate and cream with a ganache filling.

A: Truffles originated in France in 1895 and it was here that the ball of chocolate ganache dusted with cocoa received the name, truffle. As it turns out, truffles are named after the mushrooms of the similar name because of their resemblance to the dark and rumpled mushroom.

As we said, the truffle is a type of fungus; however, don't confuse it with the mushrooms that you can fry, boil, or bake. The cooking process destroys the truffle's characteristic flavor and aroma that render it a delicacy.

Truffles are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which can help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Regularly consuming truffles can help reduce inflammation throughout your body while lowering the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

A truffle hog is any domestic pig used for locating and extracting the fruit bodies of the fungi known as truffles from temperate forests in Europe and North America. Pigs have an exceptional sense of smell, and are able to identify truffles as deep as three feet underground.

Keep it simple. Slice or shave over some cooked like risotto or pasta and you're done. They should never be mixed with any ingredient high in acidity, which would cause the flavour of the truffle to subside. Let the truffle work its magic, and always add at the end of the preparation.

How can you tell if it's a truffle? ›

Truffle Identification

So, it's important to know how to identify edible truffles before you eat them. Edible truffles typically have a smooth, brown exterior. If the truffle has any bumps or ridges on its surface, it is probably not edible. Truffles that are white or cream-colored on the inside are also not edible.

Truffles have a short shelf life and are difficult to harvest, in addition to being hard to find and preserve. These characteristics contribute to them being known as a delicacy, as does their general uniqueness in flavor and smell.

Despite sharing a name, a chocolate truffle does not contain any truffles of the mushroom variety. Nevertheless, some especially adventurous chocolate manufacturers may attempt to make chocolate-covered mushrooms.

The Smooth Melting Filling

The recipe for the Lindor filling is a closely guarded secret. It is a form of ganache which we carefully pour into the delicate shells before allowing it to set. Our secret Lindor filling boasts a low melting point which allows it to melt luxuriously on the tongue.

The Lindt Master Chocolatiers wanted to create something heavenly to lift customers' spirits after the war. They set to work experimenting with chocolate recipes until, in 1949, they came across a chocolate so luxuriously smooth it could be compared to melted gold. It was named LINDOR.

After what seemed like an interminable creative phase, the LINDOR recipe was finally born in 1949. This new recipe made chocolate taste like liquid gold. No surprise then that LINDOR combines the French word for gold ('or') with Lindt.