Fresh Truffles from Western Australia to the world!
Great Southern Truffles, established in 2007, was the first dedicated truffle producer in Australia. We pioneered the industry with a singular focus: bringing the magic of Fresh Australian Black Winter Truffles to discerning food lovers. We've built a reputation for unwavering quality, meticulously sourcing and handling these precious ingredients.
During the unique Australian winter (June-August), we connect you with the captivating aroma and unmatched flavour of fresh truffles, for many they are culinary treasures.
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What Are Truffles?
One of the most common questions we receive is "what are truffles made of?" The technical answer is that they are a type of fungus that grows underground, forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain trees like oak. The truffle itself is the fruiting body, formed when the fungus is ready to reproduce. Ripe truffles carry millions of spores that can germinate when the truffle breaks down in the soil.
Beyond the Technical: Truffles for Everyone
Here at Great Southern Truffles, we believe truffles are more than just a scientific marvel. They are an incredible ingredient that anyone can use to elevate their dishes. Australian Black Winter Truffles (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) boast a strong aroma and a deep black interior. Their fragrance is a complex combination of simple sensations, varying in intensity and character. Yet, it's this unique and alluring scent that has propelled them to culinary fame. Want to learn the secrets to choosing the best ones?
While chefs around the world have long prized fresh truffles for their ability to add a unique touch to dishes, we believe truffles belong on everyone's table. That's why we offer a range of easy-to-use Australian Black Winter Truffle products, making it simpler than ever to incorporate this luxurious ingredient into your everyday home cooking.
Where to buy TRUFFLES?
Buying Fresh Truffles
Due to their seasonal nature, fresh black winter truffles (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) are only available in Australia during winter (June, July, August).
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Great Southern Truffles offers the finest quality fresh truffles sourced from Western Australia. Visit our store in Mount Hawthorn, conveniently located at 4/139 Buxton Street. We're open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm to allow you to personally select your desired quantity of fresh truffles – there's no minimum purchase required!
We recommend checking our Instagram profile for the latest updates on truffle availability.
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As with all delicate ingredients, fresh truffles have a short shelf life. We recommend enjoying them within a week of harvest to experience their peak flavour and aroma. Due to the unpredictable nature of fresh produce, truffle availability can fluctuate.
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Looking for Additional Options?
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Food Distributors: Contact specialist food distributors who supply restaurants to inquire about truffle availability.
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Truffle Farms: Get in touch with truffle farms directly to explore their sales options.
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Beyond Fresh Truffles
We understand that fresh truffles may not always be available. That's why we offer a variety of truffle products and preserved truffles to meet your needs. To delight your palate year-round, explore our curated selection of truffle-infused products, including truffle oil and truffle sauces.
For Restaurant Professionals
Visit our dedicated FOOD SERVICE RANGE to discover how our exceptional truffle products can take your menu to the next level.
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Food Manufacturers
Looking to incorporate the luxurious taste of truffles into your creations? Explore FOOD MANUFACTURING or contact us directly for more information on how we can partner with you.
Harvesting Fresh Truffles
Truffles fully ripen and are harvested during the Australian winter months of June, July, and August. Truffles can usually be found close to where the tree’s root meet the earth.
To harvest the fresh truffles we use highly trained dogs who use their heightened sense of smell to rustle around the soil. Dogs such as labradors, beagles and pointers can be trained to smell the underground truffles.
During the process, the dogs “mark” the area where they smell the subterranean prize by gently scratching the ground. Once they find the fresh truffle, the dog is rewarded, and the truffle is pick up by hand.
Grading and Cleaning Fresh Truffles
After being thoroughly washed and dried, the fresh truffles are graded into three classes: Extra class (premium), First class and Second class. There are three important criteria to look for when choosing a fresh truffle:
Aroma: Every single truffle is smelled by an experienced grader to find out sub-standard ones. Off-notes can indicate that the truffle is not suitable for consumption or may indicate internal damage.
Maturity: You have to cut into the truffle to verify its maturity, which you can tell by its colour, and the colour of the flesh inside.
Firmness: The truffle should be firm to the touch, not soft, and not too dry. The shape of truffles can vary across the same species, some being quite uniform and round, others may present numerous lobes and knobblier in appearance. However, the shape does not confer any specific aromatic properties to the truffles.
Packing and Transporting Fresh Truffles
Once harvested and graded, the fresh truffles are carefully vacuumed, packed and sealed. This process reduces oxidation and breakdown of the truffle and therefore preserving its quality. The fresh truffles are packed with ice packs and shipped directly from the farm in an icebox, ensuring your truffles are as fresh as possible.
How to Store Fresh Truffles?
Fresh truffles can be gently wrapped in a paper towel and stored dry in an airtight glass for up to 10 days. Change the paper towel daily, and make sure the container stays dry. A glass jar is crucial to avoid the entire contents of the refrigerator becoming infused with the truffle aromas. The optimum temperature to keep fresh truffles is 3-6°C and relative humidity of 75-85%
