Summer Truffle

Summer truffles are extremely versatile and affordable, allowing them to be used generously in many recipes. In the warm summer season, they are a special treat for gourmets. Tuber aestivum, as it is known in Latin, is one of the most widespread types of truffle in the world. Summer truffles, also known as "scorzone" in Piedmont, can be found between June and November in large parts of Europe, including Provence, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Albania, Hungary, occasionally also in southern Germany and even England.
 
The fruiting body of the summer truffle, formed by the stones that surround the Tuber aestivum in the soil, has a rough, scale-like surface. When ripe, the black summer truffle is matt black on the outside and has ivory-colored flesh with fine white marbling. Small animals, including squirrels and certain insects, take part in the truffle development process by spreading their spores. These animals also serve as landmarks in the search for truffles. The fragrance of the ripe Tuber aestivum is delicate, earthy and pleasantly mushroomy, reminiscent of the aroma of porcini mushrooms and hazelnuts.