Tuber uncinatum

Description

This black truffle belongs to the Tuberaceae (Pezizales, Pezizomycetes) in the Aestivum clade of the Tuber genus. The name of this truffle derives from the hook-shaped spores. The fruity body is large and ranges from the size of an egg to that of an orange, but at times even larger than 10 cm in diameter. The skin is black. Its odor resembles that of a hazelnut. It ripens all year round but mostly from September to January.

Molecular analysis showed no differences between Tuber aestivum and Tuber uncinatum. Differences in taste, odor and spore morphology are because of ecological factors.

It is mainly found in Europe due to its weather conditions since it needs fewer hours of light and more humidity than in the Mediterranean climate conditions.

Common names: Autum Truffle, Burgundy Truffle.

Mushroom Identification

1. Ascomata

   Hypogeous, subglobose, sometimes basal cavity, 2-10 cm, blackish-brown to black, conspicuously warted. Warts 3-9 mm across, usually smaller than those observed in Tuber aestivum, pyramidal, 4-6-sided, vertically fissured, sometimes with transversal striation.

2. Gleba

   Firm, solid, white when immature, becoming dark brown at maturity, darker than Tuber aestivum gleba, marbled with numerous, thin, white, meandering, branching veins that do not change color when exposed to the air.

3. Odor

   Medium intensity, stronger than Tuber aestivum odor, different, sometimes phenolic and unpleasant when very ripe.

4. Taste

   Medium intensity, stronger than Tuber aestivum taste, nutty.

5. Habitat

   Grows always in shady places (Tuber aestivum usually in sunny places). It is the most frequent edible truffle in Europe. Their period of ripeness is from October through January. Tuber uncinatum are associated with the roots of several trees: oaks (Quercus), beeches (Fagus sylvatica), poplars (Populus), hazels (Corylus), pines (Pinus) and lindens (Tilia).

Tuber uncinatum Storage

For optimal storage of your fresh Truffles, please: Do not remove the soil from the truffles – Wrap individual truffles in a clean absorbent paper towel – Place the paper-wrapped truffles inside a closed jar in the fridge (temperature +2°C/6°C) – Change the paper towel every day – Just before eating them, they must be washed with water and brushed under the tap. Dry well with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.

Synonyms

1. Tuber cibarium Corda (1842), Icones fungorum 5:68, t. 5 f. 46

2. Tuber bituminatum Berkeley et Broome(1851), Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. II 7: 183

3. Tuber culinare Zobel var. mesentericum (Vittadini) Zobel (1854), in (Corda) Zobel Iconum fungorum 6: 82

4. Tuber culinare Zobel var. tesserulatum Zobel (1854), in (Corda) Zobel Iconum fungorum 6: 83

5. Tuber culinare Zobel var. tulasneanum Zobel (1854), in (Corda) Zobel Iconum fungorum 6: 83

6. Tuber culinare Zobel var. lespiaultianum Zobel (1854), in (Corda) Zobel Iconum fungorum 6: 83

7. Tuber culinare Zobel var. rabenhorstii Corda (1854), in (Corda) Zobel Iconum fungorum 6: 83, t. 18 f. 13

8. Tuber mutabile Quélet (1881), C. R. Ass. franç. Av. Sc. (Reims, 1880) 9: 671, t. 8 f. 14

9. Tuber bituminatum Berkeley et Broome var. ellipsosporum Ferry de la Bellone (1888), La Truffe 144

10. Tuber maresa Font Quer (1930), in Codina & Font Quer Cavanillesia 3: 179 (1930)

11. Tuber aestivum Vittadini var. mesentericum (Vittadini) Trappe (1979), Mycotaxon 9(1): 311, t. 3 f. 29c

Photo sources:

Photo 1 - Author: Rippitippi (Public Domain)

Photo 2 - Author: Arnaud 25 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Photo 3 - Author: Rippitippi (Public Domain)