Do you want to get some truffles but you don't know where to buy them? He agrees that obtaining truffles can be relatively complicated... especially at the end of the year during the holidays. This mushroom, captivating and with an inimitable flavor, is often considered the jewel of haute cuisine. Prized by the greatest chefs and amateurs around the world, truffle enhances a dish like no other food.
If finding truffles can be perilous, finding quality truffles turns out to be a real journey. Indeed, it is essential to know how to obtain them, whether you are a passionate amateur or a professional. We invite you to discover the best places to buy fresh truffles: near specialized houses or in traditional markets.
Buy fresh truffles in specialized houses
Obtaining truffles from specialized houses, whether black truffle (tuber melanosporum), summer truffle ( tuber aestivum ), Burgundy or Alba truffle , is often the safest way to obtain high quality truffles. Indeed, these French shops which have inherited the rendering of art, the work of this mushroom, make it possible to obtain the best of the truffle. This is possible thanks to direct relationships with truffle growers, thus guaranteeing unrivaled freshness and authenticity.
Renowned truffle houses
Maison Henras: our house, founded in 1820, is the oldest truffle house in the world. Our bicentennial know-how has won over the greatest chefs, thanks to the quality, taste and freshness of our truffles. We work on this product like haute couture, each piece passes through the hands of our entire team of experts to ultimately offer you the best truffle. We offer a wide range of fresh truffles but also derived products with the main requirement: taste.
Maison de la Truffe: if you are in Paris, this famous shop, founded in 1932, is renowned for its rigorous selection of truffles. Located in the prestigious Madeleine district, it offers a wide range of truffle products, including fresh truffles in season.
Advantages of buying in these houses
Obtaining truffles in your home has many advantages:
- Quality guarantee: specialized houses ensure traceability and impeccable quality of the truffles.
- Expert advice: Staff are generally well trained and can offer advice on truffle selection and preparation.
- Complementary products: These shops often offer truffle-derived products, such as oils or pastes, which can complement your culinary experience.
- Flexible delivery: it is possible to have it delivered directly to your home (only for Maison Henras via the website)
Get your truffles from the markets
It is also possible to obtain tuber melanosporum or other species at a truffle market . The latter attract a good number of amateurs and tourists. This is the perfect place if you want to have an unforgettable truffle experience. You will be able to discover different varieties of truffles and buy them directly from the producers.
Famous markets for truffles
Richerenches market, in Provence: this is one of the most important markets in Europe for tuber melanosporum. The latter takes place every Saturday from November to March.
Lalbenque market, in the Lot: this market is a true epicenter for lovers of black truffles. This traditional market is held every Tuesday during the winter, from December to March.
Tips for buying from markets
- Arrive early in the morning: it is essential to arrive as early as possible to benefit from the best choice and thus chat more peacefully with the truffle growers.
- Smell the truffles: smell is an important indicator of freshness and quality. Don’t hesitate to smell several truffles before making your choice.
- Negotiate the price: it is often possible to negotiate, especially if you want to buy in quantity.
Our advice for buying truffles
If you want to buy quality truffles, it is necessary to have a certain knowledge to make the right choice. Here are our essential tips to guide you in your purchase.
Select the best truffle
- Buy in peak season: knowing the seasonality of the different species of truffles is essential if you want to buy fresh truffles , to benefit from an exceptional taste.
- Appearance: a quality truffle is firm to the touch. Above all, do not buy a soft fresh truffle.
- The smell: don't hesitate to smell the truffles to choose a fragrant truffle.
Storage of truffles
Once purchased, truffles should be consumed quickly to fully benefit from their flavor. However, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, wrapped in absorbent paper and placed in an airtight container. You can find our advice on how to keep them as long as possible on our blog article.