Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Truffle | Luna Nuova Tartufi
How to store fresh truffle correctly?
Fresh truffle is a very delicate natural product and must be stored with care.
To keep it at its best:
- store it in the fridge at a temperature between 2°C and 7°C
- wrap it in absorbent paper or a cotton cloth
- place it in an airtight glass or plastic container
- Change the paper every day, as the truffle naturally releases moisture.
A traditional tip: you can store the truffle together with fresh eggs in a sealed container. The porous shell will absorb the truffle's aroma — perfect for making truffle eggs or omelettes.
How long does fresh truffle keep?
The shelf life depends on the truffle species.
As a guide:
- Summer and uncinatum black truffle: up to about 7–10 days
- Prized black truffle: about 6–8 days
- Prized white truffle: 4–7 days
- Bianchetto truffle: 5–7 days
To truly enjoy its aroma and intensity, the advice is always the same: consume it within a few days of purchase, ideally within 3–5 days.
Should truffle be washed as soon as it is purchased?
No.
Truffle should be cleaned only just before use.
Washing one that will not be consumed immediately accelerates deterioration, because water increases moisture and reduces shelf life.
It is better to store it with a little soil still on it, which helps protect the product.
How do you clean truffle before using it?
Cleaning is simple but must be gentle.
- Use a soft brush (or a kitchen brush).
- Run the truffle under a gentle stream of cold water.
- Remove any soil residue.
- Dry it immediately with absorbent paper or a clean cloth.
Once cleaned it is ready to be sliced or grated directly over the dish.
Is it better to buy truffle already cleaned or with a little soil?
The best truffle is often found not completely cleaned.
A residue of soil:
- naturally protects the product
- helps maintain moisture and aroma
- prolongs shelf life.
For this reason we prefer to sell it only roughly brushed.
How can I tell if a truffle is fresh and of good quality?
A fresh, quality truffle is recognised by:
- Aroma: intense, persistent and unmistakeable — the primary quality indicator
- Firmness: firm to the touch, with no soft or spongy parts
- External appearance: intact peridium (skin), without mould or abnormal dark patches
- Gleba (interior): uniform colour with well-defined veining
Every truffle we ship is manually inspected by Alessandro before dispatch to ensure it meets these standards.
What is the difference between white truffle and black truffle?
They are two very different products in terms of aroma, use and value.
- Prized white truffle (Tuber magnatum): the rarest and most expensive. It has an extraordinarily intense aroma and is used exclusively raw, grated over a hot dish. It cannot withstand heat.
- Prized black truffle (Tuber melanosporum): softer, earthier aroma. Can also be used lightly cooked, in flavoured butters, sauces or risottos.
- Summer / scorzone black truffle (Tuber aestivum): more delicate flavour, excellent for those approaching truffle for the first time. The most accessible in terms of value for money.
In general: white for intense emotions and simple dishes, black for more elaborate recipes.
Why does fresh truffle cost so much?
The price of truffle reflects its rarity and the complexity of harvesting.
- It grows spontaneously in nature: it cannot be cultivated industrially
- Searching requires years of experience, trained dogs and knowledge of the territory
- Seasons are short and quantities available are limited
- The product is highly perishable: it must be shipped and consumed within a few days
Prized white truffle is among the most expensive food products in the world for these very reasons. Even small quantities — 5–10 grams — are enough to transform a dish.
How is truffle harvested?
Truffle hunting is an art passed down through generations.
It takes place at dawn or in the early morning hours, with the help of specially trained truffle dogs. The dog locates the truffle underground using its sense of smell; the hunter then extracts the truffle by hand with a tool called a vanghetto, trying not to damage the host plant's roots in order to preserve the mycelium.
We personally know the foragers we work with and select only truffles harvested in the hilly areas between Marche, Abruzzo and Romagna.
How much truffle is needed per serving?
It depends on the recipe and the intensity of the truffle.
As a guide:
- White truffle: 5–10 g per person
- Black truffle: 10–15 g per person
Truffle is very aromatic: a little goes a long way.
How is truffle used in cooking?
Truffle is used mainly raw, sliced very thin or grated over a hot dish.
It is perfect on:
- tagliolini and fresh pasta
- eggs
- risottos
- meat
- fondues and cheeses
The heat of the dish naturally releases its aroma.
Can truffle be frozen?
It is possible, but not the ideal solution.
Freezing tends to reduce aroma and texture. If necessary, it can be frozen whole or grated, well sealed.
The advice remains always to consume it fresh.
When is truffle season?
Each truffle species has its own harvesting season:
- Prized White Truffle (Tuber magnatum): October – January
- Prized Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum): November – March
- Bianchetto Truffle (Tuber borchii): January – April
- Summer / Scorzone Black Truffle (Tuber aestivum): May – September
- Uncinatum Black Truffle (Tuber uncinatum): September – January
During out-of-season periods, some varieties are not available. We recommend subscribing to our newsletter to be notified when they become available again.
How is fresh truffle shipped?
We ship fresh truffles by express courier within 24–48 hours of order confirmation, across Italy and Europe.
Every shipment includes:
- insulated packaging with cooling gel to maintain the optimal temperature during transport
- truffles individually wrapped in absorbent paper
- scheduled delivery to avoid depot stops over the weekend
To guarantee maximum freshness, we recommend not ordering on Fridays for standard shipping, or choosing the express delivery option.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship fresh truffles and packaged products throughout Europe. Delivery times vary depending on the destination country (generally 2–4 working days). For orders outside the EU, please contact us before purchasing to verify feasibility and shipping arrangements.
Can I order truffle as a gift?
Absolutely yes. Fresh truffle is one of the most appreciated gifts for food lovers.
For a special gift we recommend:
- choosing a delivery date close to the occasion (truffle is perishable)
- opting for a gift set with packaged products if you are not sure when it will be consumed
- contacting us via WhatsApp or email for personalised orders or mixed gift sets
We write a personalised card on request.
Do your truffles have certifications or guarantees?
The truffles we sell are natural products, not strictly certified organic (because they grow spontaneously in nature, not on certified farms).
What we guarantee is:
- hand selection by Alessandro before every shipment
- traceable origin: we know exactly from which area and which forager each batch comes from
- no additives or treatments: truffle is sold exactly as harvested, cleaned and selected
For processed products (honey, vinegar, specialities), ingredient information and certifications are indicated on the labels.
Can I return a product?
For fresh products (truffles), returns are not possible for hygiene and perishability reasons. However, if the product arrives damaged or not conforming to the order, we will fully refund you or reship the product at no additional cost.
For packaged products (honey, vinegar, wines, specialities), returns are possible within 14 days of receipt in accordance with the Consumer Code, provided the product is intact and unopened.
For any issue contact us at info@lunanuovatartufi.com or on +39 0541 780583.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major payment methods:
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- PayPal
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Bank transfer (for high-value orders, please contact us)
All payments are processed securely by the Shopify Payments platform.