What is the difference between black and white truffles?

Black winter truffles (Tuber Melanosporum) have an intense, earthy, chocolatey aroma and respond well to gentle heat — ideal for cooking into risottos, pasta, and sauces. White truffles (Tuber Magnatum Pico) are far more pungent and aromatic, with garlicky, honey-like complexity. Whites must never be cooked — they're shaved raw over finished dishes. White truffles are rarer and more expensive, with a shorter season (October–December vs December–March for black).

When is truffle season?

Different truffle varieties have different seasons. Summer truffles run from May to September. Burgundy truffles from September to December. White truffles from October to December. Black winter truffles from December to March in Europe, and June to August from Australia — meaning fresh black truffles are available for much of the year. FINE & WILD stocks whichever varieties are currently in season — check the collection for live availability.

How should I store fresh truffles?

Wrap individually in kitchen paper, place inside an airtight container, and refrigerate. Change the paper daily as it absorbs moisture. Most fresh truffles keep for 5–7 days stored this way, but they're always best as fresh as possible. Do not store truffles in rice — this desiccates the truffle. Instead, store them alongside eggs in a sealed container to infuse the eggs with truffle aroma.

How much fresh truffle do I need per person?

For black winter truffles, 8–10g per person is a good starting point for a main course. For white truffles, 5–8g per person is generous — the aroma is much more intense. For summer and Burgundy truffles, use more liberally as the flavour is milder — 10–15g per person works well. Fresh truffle goes further than you might expect when shaved thinly.

What is the best dish to make with fresh truffles?

Anything with a simple fat base that lets the truffle shine. Scrambled eggs with black truffle is arguably the finest introduction — butter, eggs, and truffle, nothing else. Fresh pasta with butter and Parmesan is another classic. Risotto, mashed potato, and fonduta all work beautifully. Avoid strong competing flavours — the truffle should be the star of the dish, not competing with garlic, chilli, or heavy seasoning.

Do I need a truffle slicer?

Yes, for the best results. A truffle slicer produces paper-thin shavings that maximise surface area and release the most aroma. You can use a fine Microplane grater for incorporating truffle into sauces and butters, but for shaving at the table over finished dishes, a proper slicer makes a real difference to both flavour and presentation.

What is the difference between summer and winter truffles?

Summer truffles (Tuber Aestivum) are milder and more delicate — subtly earthy and nutty with a lighter aroma. They're best used generously and raw. Black winter truffles (Tuber Melanosporum) are far more intense — deeply earthy, chocolatey, and complex. They respond well to gentle heat, which amplifies the flavour. Winter truffles command a significantly higher price reflecting the stronger flavour and shorter supply.

Are your truffle oils made with real truffle?

Yes. Our Urbani truffle oils are made with natural truffle extract, not the synthetic bis(methylthio)methane compound used in many cheaper truffle oils. The difference in flavour is significant — natural truffle oil has depth and complexity, while synthetic versions taste one-dimensional and chemically harsh.

Can I cook with white truffles?

No — or rather, you shouldn't. Heat destroys the volatile aromatic compounds that make white truffles special. Always shave white truffles raw at the table, directly over the finished dish. The warmth of the food is enough to release the aroma. If you want a truffle for cooking, use black winter truffles instead.

How does FINE & WILD deliver fresh truffles?

Fresh truffles are delivered via next-day courier, dispatched the same day for orders placed before 2pm. Speed can be critical with truffles, and we prioritise getting them to you as quickly as possible after harvest. Every truffle is hand-graded for aroma, firmness, and condition before dispatch. For orders over £225, weekday delivery is complimentary.

Out of season

Sold out

Fresh Italian White Truffles

From £60.00

Urbani Unico Natural White Truffle Oil | FINE & WILD UK

Urbani Unico White Truffle Oil

£32.50

Urbani White Truffle Sauce

£15.00

Urbani White Truffle Butter

£9.00

White Truffles

Tuber magnatum pico

The most expensive and intensely aromatic truffle in existence. Italian white truffles — particularly those from Alba in Piedmont — are the pinnacle of truffle gastronomy.

The aroma is extraordinary: pungent, garlicky, almost overwhelmingly complex, with notes of honey, aged cheese and fermented earth. Unlike black truffles, whites should never be cooked. They are shaved raw at the table over finished dishes, where the heat of the food releases the aroma. A true luxury.

Alongside fresh white truffles in season, this collection includes preserved white truffle products for use year-round.

Season

October to December. Availability is limited and weather-dependent — white truffles cannot be cultivated, and yields vary year to year with rainfall and temperature.

All truffles are sourced from Italy, hand-graded at our UK facility, and dispatched same-day on orders placed before 2pm.

How To Use White Truffles

Never apply heat. White truffles are always shaved raw at the table, directly over the finished dish, so the residual warmth of the food releases the volatile aromatics.

Classic preparations are deliberately simple: hand-cut tajarin or tagliolini in butter, risotto alla Milanese, fried eggs, fonduta, or a plate of warm potato. Anything that provides fat, warmth and a neutral base. Avoid strong competing flavours — garlic, herbs, acidity — they fight the truffle rather than carry it.

A truffle slicer is essential. The shavings should be paper-thin, applied generously at the table, immediately before eating.

Storage

Wrap fresh white truffles individually in kitchen paper inside an airtight container. Refrigerate and change the paper daily. White truffles lose aroma faster than any other variety — used within 3 to 5 days of arrival for best flavour.

Delivery

UK next-working-day delivery on orders placed before 2pm. Complimentary weekday delivery on orders over £225.