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I've tried both black and white truffles on separate occasions, but never side by side. Is there a meaningful difference between the two as far as flavor is concerned?

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Yes, yes there is.

Black truffles are dark, earthy, sexy in flavour. Renaissance writings compare them to 'unwashed slatterns' and 'bedchambers, rooms of sexual congress, unaired and reeking of the recent activities contained therein.'

White truffles are lighter in aroma and flavour, with distinct garlicky notes. Each has their place--black works better on its own, white works better as an adjunt or finishing note to a dish. I am personally partial to white truffle oil drizzled on cured duck breast, or a black truffle risotto with charred endive.

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    mmmmm, reeking of unwashed slatterns... That's a heck of a description, +1
    – awithrow
    Aug 27, 2010 at 12:07
  • lols: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slatterns Where do you find such writing? Aug 27, 2010 at 14:15
  • i honestly cannot remember. i ran across the phrasing years ago and, for tolerably obvious reasons, it stuck in my head.
    – daniel
    Aug 27, 2010 at 16:46
  • I'll take a punnet of the black ones then please.
    – slim
    Mar 16, 2011 at 16:44

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