How to Store Fresh Truffle in Summer

Truffle is one of the excellences of Italian gastronomy, an ingredient that must be handled with care to enhance its fragrance and flavor. However, storing it during the warm months can be a real challenge. In summer, in fact, high temperatures accelerate the perishability of the product, making it necessary to use the correct techniques to store fresh truffle.

In this guide, you will discover three effective methods to extend the freshness of truffle while protecting its organoleptic qualities. I will also explain how to adapt each technique to the different varieties: black truffle, summer truffle and bianchetto truffle.

Why is truffle preservation so important?

Truffle is mostly made of water and essential oils, two elements that determine its aroma and texture. Precisely for this reason, it tends to quickly lose fragrance and freshness if not properly stored. The main critical factors are:

• Exposure to air and light
• Excessive humidity
• High temperatures

To protect the quality of your truffle in the summer months, it is essential to adopt a storage method suited to the expected duration and the type of truffle.

Storing truffle in the fridge, with absorbent paper

Refrigeration is the most immediate and simple method, suitable for consuming truffle within a week. It is particularly effective for black truffle and summer truffle, varieties that are more resistant to humidity and temperature changes.

Wrap the truffle in kitchen absorbent paper (without washing it with water), place it in an airtight container, and store it in the less cold part of the refrigerator (3–6°C). The paper should be changed daily to prevent mold formation.

This technique keeps the truffle in good condition for about 7–10 days, but it is important to check it daily.

Fresh truffle should never be frozen or vacuum-packed, as these practices alter its texture, aroma, and overall quality. The best method to preserve it is to store it in the fridge, preferably in the lower part, wrapped in absorbent paper (such as kitchen roll) and closed inside airtight containers. The paper should be replaced regularly to absorb excess moisture and keep the truffle in the best possible condition.

The storage time varies significantly depending on the variety. The “scorzone,” thanks to its more compact structure and lower water content, can last for over three weeks. On the other hand, White Truffle and Bianchetto, which are much more delicate and water-rich, should be consumed quickly, ideally within 5–7 days, to best enjoy their fragrance and flavor without risking rapid deterioration.

Which storage method should you choose depending on the type of truffle?

Each variety of truffle has its own characteristics that directly affect the way and duration of storage. Here’s how to handle them best:

• Precious black truffle (Tuber melanosporum): aromatic and quite resistant, it can be stored in the fridge for several days if properly wrapped in absorbent paper and placed in an airtight container.

• Summer truffle – scorzone (Tuber aestivum): thanks to its more compact structure and lower water content, it can last in the fridge for over 3 weeks, maintaining both aroma and texture.

• Bianchetto truffle (Tuber borchii) and white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico): much more delicate and water-rich, they should be consumed within 5–7 days, as they tend to deteriorate quickly and lose their fragrance.

Properly storing fresh truffle is the only way to preserve its extraordinary taste, especially in summer. Choose the method best suited to your needs and the type of truffle you have, and enjoy the full pleasure of such a unique ingredient.

Whether you prefer black, summer, or bianchetto truffle, the important thing is to know how to handle it. And if you want a convenient, ready-to-use solution, don’t forget the option of truffle in a jar: taste and practicality in a single step.