National Truffle Day is celebrated annually on May 2. A dictionary search of the word ‘truffle’ may bring up a subterranean fungus, but that isn’t what we’re celebrating. Right now, we are honoring the great truffle — a beloved chocolate dessert. It comes with finger-licking surprises ranging from added fruits and nuts to cream centers. This holiday is also an opportunity to show off your culinary skills to entertain friends and family.
Children will take particular pleasure in this holiday — just make sure to keep them away from the main stash, lest they get a sugar high.
- 1895 – The chocolate truffle was invented by Louis Dufour in Chambray, France.
- 1902 – Truffles became much more popular in 1902 when Prestat Chocolate Shop opened in London. Prestat still sells “Napoleon III” truffles made to the original recipe.
- 1920s – The first known recipe for a chocolate truffle appears in cookbooks.
- 1980 – The American truffle is created by Joseph Schmidt in San Francisco.
- The term ‘chocolate truffle’ is derived from the edible tuber fungus known as a ‘truffle’, which shares a similar appearance to the confectionery.
- The internal part of a chocolate truffle is usually a soft ganache, which is generally coated or rolled in a covering of nuts, chocolate, icing sugar, coconut, or cocoa powder.
- While traditionally chocolate truffles contain ganache, a heated and cooled chocolate and cream mixture, they sometimes consist of another filling, such as caramel, fudge, fruit, nuts, or chocolate.
- In some areas, the 2nd of May is recognized by some people as National Truffle Day, and it is celebrated by eating chocolate truffles.
- Chocolate truffles are traditionally roughly spherical, due to the ganache being hand rolled into balls, although they can be purchased as cubes, cones, and in other forms.
- Chocolate truffles are generally considered a luxurious confectionery item, and they are commonly colored either brown or white, depending on the chocolate used.
- French truffles typically consist of ganache rolled in cocoa powder, while Belgian truffles have an outer shell made of dark chocolate.
- There are several different ways to make a truffle, but it’s important to note that not all chocolate that has a filling is a truffle. For example, chocolates that have a fruit or cream center are not truffles. Just remember, if the center isn’t made of ganache, it isn’t a truffle.
- There is a huge misunderstanding among truffle lovers. One group believes the truffle is a sweet treat made by bakers, while another group has a slightly different idea of a true truffle.
- The word ‘truffle’ comes from the Latin word ‘tuber,’ which means ‘outgrowth’ or ‘lump.’ It dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who held truffles in high esteem and ate them coated in goose fat.
- Truffles are mushrooms that grow underground near truffle oaks.
- Real truffles look similar to a small brown rock.
- Truffles have been around for about 4,000 years.
- Truffles are mostly found in Italy, southern France, and Croatia.
- Truffle dogs and truffle dogs are specially trained to find truffles.
- Shockingly, a truffle once sold for $3,000.
- While truffles did inspire the name, it is not because these sweet little bites are made from mushrooms. It’s because they vaguely resemble the fungus.
- Swiss truffles often use fresh cream and butter, creating a softer, creamier texture.
- Truffles symbolize indulgence and love, making them a popular gift for romantic occasions.
- A chocolate truffle created by Knipschildt Chocolatier is among the most expensive, priced at $250 each. It’s made with a luxurious 70% Valrhona dark chocolate and a rare Perigord truffle center, wrapped in delicate gold packaging. This blend of rarity and artistry sets it apart.
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