Content
Truffles are considered the most expensive mushrooms in the world. Dishes with their content are high-value delicacies. The benefits of truffle mushrooms are due to unique substances.
Description and types of mushroom truffle
The first mentions date back to the 20th century BC. e .. Truffles represent the department of ascomycetes. Fruiting bodies are tuberous or rounded, cartilaginous or fleshy. They are underground. The size varies. When cut, the fabric resembles marble in design, as it includes dark and light stripes. Mushrooms grow mainly in deciduous forests.
The marsupial mushroom is outwardly unattractive. However, it is highly valued for its taste and health benefits. The truffle has a characteristic aroma and nutty taste.
Ascomycetes are cultivated in some countries of the world. However, artificially grown mushrooms do not have the same qualities as natural ones.
Quality mushrooms have the following characteristics:
- dark blue or brown;
- rounded tuber (2-10 cm in diameter), which may be covered with warts;
- algae-like aroma;
- dense and white with veins flesh;
- a sweet taste that resembles nuts.
The following common types are called:
- summer (central regions of Russia);
- redheads (Europe and North America, Siberia);
- white (Italy, France);
- black (France);
- winter (Switzerland and France).
The most valuable are black truffles. The least popular species is summer ascomycetes.
Composition and calorie content of truffles
The high cost of mushrooms is due to the difficulties of obtaining and growing, as well as the nutritional value:
- fats - 0.5 g;
- carbohydrates - 2 g;
- proteins - 3 g.
The glycemic index is 10. Ascomycetes include useful substances:
- ascorbic acid, B vitamins;
- pheromones;
- proteins;
- antioxidants;
- alimentary fiber.
The cost can be up to 400 euros per kilogram. Truffles are low in calories. 100 g of mushrooms contains 24 kcal.
The benefits of mushroom truffle
Ascomycetes are recommended to be included in the diet because of the beneficial effect on the body, which is observed with regular use. The following useful properties are called:
- antioxidant effect;
- acceleration of the processes of skin regeneration in case of diseases or cuts;
- prevention of the development of a malignant tumor in the large intestine;
- maintaining skin tone, smoothing wrinkles;
- normalization of the state of work of the digestive system.
The contained antioxidants normalize the function of the immune system and prevent premature aging. The mushroom is rich in pheromones. It can be considered as an aphrodisiac that improves the reproductive system in men and women.
The truffle can be consumed during pregnancy.Mushrooms contain beneficial nutrients that contribute to the proper development of the fetal nervous system. High concentrations of ascorbic acid protect the body of pregnant women from viruses.
The presence of ascomycetes in the menu of the elderly is the prevention of the development of malignant tumors. Delicacies with the addition of truffles contribute to the absorption of iron and calcium.
The benefits of white truffle have been proven for people of different age groups. However, its use is recommended from the age of 5.
Mushrooms can be included in the diet of athletes due to the following effects:
- preservation of muscle mass;
- saturation with vitamins;
- increased endurance.
Truffle has a low glycemic index, which allows people with a history of diabetes mellitus to consume it. There is no risk of excess weight.
The use of truffle mushroom in folk medicine
The pheromones included in the composition affect the brain, improving the overall emotional background. In some countries of the world, mushroom juice is used to treat eye diseases.
Ascomycetes can be used by children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Funds based on them are used in the following cases:
- Muscle and joint pain. To eliminate the malaise, compresses are made.
- Toxicosis, general weakness. Experts recommend drinking decoctions.
- Sexual impotence. With erectile dysfunction, the delicacy is eaten.
The use of truffles in home cosmetology
Ascomycete extract is used as an ingredient for making masks. These cosmetics eliminate signs of age-related changes and prevent premature aging of the skin. Regular use of serums, masks and creams helps to smooth wrinkles, increase turgor, and eliminate age spots.
Truffle harm and contraindications
It should be remembered that mushrooms are highly allergenic food. If you tend to react appropriately, you need to be careful.
The truffle mushroom can be both beneficial and harmful. Use with individual intolerance can provoke a skin rash, indigestion.
Since all mushrooms accumulate toxic substances, their collection is possible only in ecologically clean areas. Truffles need to be differentiated from cheaper and lower-quality varieties. Inedible specimens can lead to severe poisoning.
How to choose and store
It is known that the shelf life of mushrooms is short. You can eat them fresh during the mining season. Truffles are not available at the supermarket. Restaurants buy ascomycetes in small portions to prepare delicacies. They are delivered by air and carried in special containers.
The flavor and nutritional value depend on the freshness of the mushrooms. The maximum benefit can be expected from fresh ascomycetes collected no more than 3 days ago. To preserve all the properties, they are kept in oil or rice. This allows the shelf life to be extended.
Frozen truffles are used for making various sauces. They have no value as a stand-alone product.
It is recommended to consume 100 g of mushrooms per week. Adding even 1 truffle can provide an unmatched aroma and taste to the dish.
Conclusion
The benefits of truffle mushrooms are due to their unique composition. Dishes with the addition of ascomycetes are considered a real delicacy due to their high cost. The price depends on the variety and size, which affect the concentration of nutrients, taste.
