There are several different kinds of black truffle salt available on the market. Each has its own distinctive taste and characteristic. Below are a list and description of the different kinds of salt that are in the market today.
The most expensive kind of salt available on the market is called guerande salt. Guerandes are mountains located in the Mediterranean and are very salty. Black truffles made from guarantees have a very rich flavor. These salts are harvested from the tops of pines or oak trees.
While guerandes are pretty expensive, they make for one of the best black truffle salt creations on the market. If you purchase this variety, you'll notice that the texture is like none other. The price of this salt is going to be high, but in the long run, it's well worth it.
This is the cheapest kind of salt you can buy. It also comes from Spain and is made from olive oil. While this may seem like a good alternative to black truffle salt, it isn't considered a real truffle. The price for this kind is moderate. It's not as rich in flavor as the other varieties, but it can still make for an excellent culinary experience if you're just looking for a good cheap spice.
This variety is the most common. When most people think of sea salt, they think of the classic brine that has lots of minerals in it. They aren't thinking about this particular kind of sea salt. It isn't smoked like the others, and it doesn't have any added flavor of its own. This is the type that is used in fine restaurants for cooking salty dishes. While this isn't as common in homes anymore, it is still used by many people to add flavor to their favorite dishes.
Guerande salt is native to the French area of France. This variety is often referred to as "real" guerandes. It is often found in Mediterranean cooking and is sometimes used as a replacement for table salt when cooking vegetables. This black truffle salt has a slightly metallic taste, which is quite pleasant and is much less expensive than the other salts mentioned so far.
While most people are used to the typical "fishy" smell of sea salt, people with a sensitive palate will notice a different flavor when using guerandes. If you enjoy fishing, this is the variety for you. Another great thing about this salt is that it tends to smell more like the sea than regular table salt does. It has a light scent that is reminiscent of anchovies or sardines.
All three of these options make excellent table salt or added to your cooking to add an additional flavor profile. In my opinion, adding Italian black truffles to your menu is a fantastic idea. Their light flavor makes them great for any kind of cooking, and their texture is very similar to that of caviar. They also go well with cream sauces, soups, and vegetables, although they do tend to be a bit pricey. If you are on a tight budget, feel free to substitute white sugar for the salt.
There are many different varieties available in supermarkets and on the Internet, but to truly appreciate their flavor, one needs to actually taste one. I'm fortunate to have been gifted with a bottle by a friend a few months ago, so I was able to taste the actual aroma before buying. The aroma was rich and robust, almost musky. The aroma is mostly known for its rich chocolate flavor, but the aroma did not fade over the course of the two weeks I have had it on my table.
Another great way to use truffle salt for your cooking is in the oven. If you are trying to season baked potatoes, use the peppercorns to roast them instead of the butter. Alternatively, use the entire salt for grilling meat, fish, or even chicken. Or, use the salt in conjunction with other spices, such as Rosemary or basil to give your dish that wonderful aroma that only salt can provide. To me, black truffle salt provides a wonderful balance of flavor, texture, and smell.
I hope that this article helps to clear up any questions you might have about sea salt or any other seasoning for that matter. Using seasoning in a variety of different ways has never been more exciting, and I look forward to experimenting. If you try Italian black truffles and have any questions or comments, be sure to check out my website where I post all my latest recipes. You'll find that there's no better way to learn about new seasoning than to sample it first hand.
