Description and composition of truffle oil. Useful properties and possible harm. How to use it correctly, with which dishes does it go best?
Truffle oil is an oil dressing used to flavor dishes with the world's most expensive mushrooms. Has a complex taste: gourmets catch nutty, cheese, mushroom notes. The price of truffle oil depends on the method of production: either the product is prepared by infusion of mushrooms on a base oil, usually olive oil, or it is the same base, but simply enriched with the aromatic component 2, 4-dithiapentane, which is found in mushrooms and largely determines them. smell. The latter product can hardly be called natural, but it is an excellent compromise for those who want to know the taste of a delicacy and not go broke. One way or another, both the most expensive truffle-based dressing and the most affordable one can give a dish a unique original sound, and therefore chefs all over the world simply adore it.
Composition and calorie content of truffle oil
Pictured truffle oil
The calorie content of truffle oil is high and amounts to about 800-900 kcal per 100 g
Almost 100% of the dressing consists of fats, and therefore it is important to handle the product very carefully: add it to dishes in small amounts, in small amounts, especially if you want to lose weight.
As for the composition of truffle oil, a lot is determined by what is the basis of the product. But in any case, it is a source of fatty acids and vitamin E. In a small amount, it contains B vitamins, vitamin K, as well as some macro- and microelements.
Useful properties of truffle oil
Usually, when buying a delicacy, no one thinks about the usefulness of truffle oil, since a unique original taste is still at the forefront. However, there is definitely a beneficial effect on the body.
The benefits of truffle oil:
- Improving the condition of skin and hair … In this sense, the good fatty acids contained in the product are of great importance, they affect the synthesis of collagen and elastin - the main proteins of the body, which are important for the construction of any body tissues in general and for hair and skin in particular. With an adequate amount of these elements in the body, the skin becomes more elastic and elastic, and the hair becomes shiny and strong.
- Antioxidant effect … Vitamin E, which is part of the product, is one of the most powerful antioxidant vitamins. It counteracts free radicals, thus preventing the cell destruction they provoke, which can ultimately lead to early aging and the development of serious diseases, including cancer.
- Positive effect on metabolism … The composition also contains B vitamins, which are responsible for metabolic processes. Thus, the product makes an important contribution to normal cell metabolism.
- Normalization of the nervous system … Also, B vitamins play an important role for the nervous system: they generally have a positive effect on it, but they are especially good at normalizing sleep and relieving the effects of stress.
- Positive effect on fetal development … There are some studies proving that the benefits of truffle oil are in a positive effect on the fetus, and therefore it is recommended to use it moderately for pregnant women in their diet.
It is also noted that the spicy dressing, but only infused with real mushrooms, is an excellent aphrodisiac. It stimulates sexual desire in both men and women, while, in particular, for the former it solves the problem of potency, and for the latter it increases fertility.
Contraindications and harm of truffle oil
Unfortunately, not everything is so simple in terms of benefits. Of course, no one should forget about an adequate dose: it is not worth using a product in an amount of more than 50 g per day, even if a high degree of activity is maintained. However, it is quite difficult to eat so many delicacies, because, firstly, it is not cheap, and, secondly, usually just a couple of drops are enough to create a bright taste and aroma.
Another important risk factor is the high likelihood of an allergic reaction. Because truffle oil is so expensive, many people are in the “never tried it” category, and any new food product has the potential to cause allergies.
Therefore, if you are tasting truffle dressing for the first time in your life and if you have not eaten mushrooms themselves before, limit yourself to a small amount. This is especially true for those who are, in principle, prone to allergies, as well as pregnant and lactating women, small children.
In addition, truffle oil can harm those who have certain diseases involving dietary restrictions, for the most part here we are talking about diseases of the digestive tract. Be sure to consult with your doctor regarding the introduction of the product into the diet if you are following a therapeutic diet.
How to make truffle oil?
To make truffle oil at home, you need real truffles and a base oil - it's best to take olive oil. The recipe is very simple, and the most difficult thing in it is to find good mushrooms, and if you succeed, little remains to be done.
How to make truffle oil:
- Peel the mushrooms, chop them finely.
- Sterilize the jar.
- Put the mushrooms on the bottom, pour in the slightly warmed oil.
- Insist 2-3 weeks, strain.
The proportions when preparing truffle oil must be observed as follows: mushrooms must be at least 1/5 of the base volume, that is, 100 g of truffles are required for 500 ml. Otherwise, you simply will not get a bright, rich taste.
It is important to understand how to store truffle oil properly. Firstly, a dark bottle is desirable, secondly, it should be kept cool, and finally, the shelf life should not exceed 3 months.
