The black and white truffle oils are two of the world’s most coveted and expensive truffles. As you would imagine, they also taste very different from each other. The difference in taste is impacted by the truffle’s fragrance, with the black truffle having a strong and earthier flavor than the white truffle’s onion fragrance. But which one is better? Here’s how black truffle oil versus white truffle oil measures up to help you decide between them!
Black truffle oil Vs white truffle oil: which is better?
There really is no clear winner when it comes to what’s better between black truffle oil and white truffle oil. Both oils will work well with the right dish and are delicious in their way. So, ultimately, it all comes down to preference. The majority agree that black truffle oil has a more robust flavor that goes well with strong dishes, while white truffle oil has a light and subtle flavor that matches well with subtle dishes.
What is truffle oil?
Truffle oil is a type of olive oil that is infused with truffle flavor. There are two types of truffle oil – black and white. The first production of truffle oil involved dipping the truffles in oil so their flavor infuses into the oil. Today, truffle oil production involves the use of synthetically produced truffle flavor.
There is natural truffle oil in the market, with a good balance of flavor, but it is quite expensive. The synthetically produced truffle flavor is mainly focused on one flavor and may not be as balanced as the natural truffle oil. Black truffle oil has more intense flavors, while white truffle oil has less intense flavors. It also depends on your preference for how you want your dishes to taste.
What is black truffle oil?
Truffles are a type of mushroom that is harvested from the ground. Black truffle oil is made from black truffles, and they have a characteristic aroma. Black truffle oil tastes earthy and is pungent. This taste is similar to that of cabbage, which is contributed by dimethyl sulfide and has a chocolate-like taste. Black truffle oil pairs well with meat dishes, french fries, mashed potatoes, or as a salad dressing.
What is black truffle oil used for?
Black truffle oil should be used as a finishing oil. It has a stronger flavor than white truffle oil, and its aroma is best released when cooking. Black truffle oil pairs well with stronger dishes. You can add it to your meat dishes, vinaigrette, pizza, creamy sauces, and any recipe with a bold flavor.
It can also be added to soups to provide depth of flavor.
What is white truffle oil?
White truffle oil, like black truffle oil, can be used in many dishes, such as risotto and pasta. However, the flavor and aroma of white truffle oil are much lighter than black truffle oil. White truffle oil has a spicy and sulfurous taste similar to garlic and onion. This flavor tends to complement food flavors better without overpowering your dish.
What is white truffle oil used for?
White truffle oil has a more mild, less intense flavor than black truffle oil. Some traditionally made with white truffle oil dishes are risotto, pasta, and eggs. The flavor of white truffle oil blends well with most ingredients, but it does not have the same punch as black truffle oil. Add white truffle subtly flavor to meats, especially rabbit meat and shellfish, cheese, potatoes, and any meal with a light flavor.
How to use black truffle oil
Black truffle oil is an exquisite ingredient in many dishes, including pasta.
1. Pizza
Pizza chefs often use this delicious and rare ingredient on their pizzas to up their pie. Drizzle it on your white pie before serving.
2. risotto
This dish is typically made from rice, broth, and aromatics. It can be served with white wine, but it can also be topped with black truffle oil to enhance its flavor profile. For a really luxurious experience, try serving your risotto with both!
3. Pasta
Using black truffle oil with pasta doesn’t require much effort; just add a few drops to your sauce or dish and stir. The oil pairs well with different pasta shapes and flavors. Flavors like alfredo and mushroom pair well with the taste of truffle oil.
4. Eggs
The eggs Benedict dish takes on a new dimension with black truffle oil. Poached or hard-boiled eggs are usually served atop a toasted piece of bread and dressed in a hollandaise sauce. Black truffle oil can be added to both for extra flavor and authenticity!
5. French fries
French fries take on another layer of flavor when you fry them in black truffle oil instead of vegetable or peanut oil. They’re perfect for eating alongside sandwiches, burgers, and other hot foods.
How to use white truffle oil
White truffle oil is a very flavorful and fragrant addition to any dish. It can be used as a condiment for pasta or pizza, or it can be used in a salad dressing. In fact, white truffle oil goes well with just about anything; shellfish, rabbit meat, and other meats.
1. Vinaigrette
Some people love adding black truffle oil to vinaigrettes, which are traditionally made with red wine vinegar and olive oil. A little bit of the expensive ingredient goes a long way when used sparingly.
2. Beef carpaccio
If you’re a fan of beef carpaccio, you should know that white truffle oil goes well with it. Just make sure you drizzle a little bit of olive oil to help balance out its flavor.
3. Shellfish
Shellfish such as scallops, clams, oysters, and mussels taste great with a splash of white truffle oil on top. These flavors pair well together because they both have hints of saltiness to them.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes also go really well with white truffle oil. You can add some Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and thyme leaves before baking your potatoes.
5. Over soup
A cup of soup doesn’t quite feel like enough nourishment in the wintertime. To bulk up your bowl and make it more filling, you might want to try stirring in some white truffle oil for an extra layer of flavor. The same goes for risotto dishes; adding this simple ingredient will make all the difference!
Benefits of using white truffle oil
Before digging into the benefits of white truffle oil, let’s first understand what we enjoy from truffles. Truffles are a good source of minerals such as copper and manganese, vitamins A, B, C, D, and K, and selenium. They also contain tyro sine which helps to control blood sugar levels. These minerals and vitamins help in the following:
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Antibacterial properties
- Preventing cancer
- Anti-inflammatory property
- Prevents liver damage
You will enjoy similar benefits from using white truffle oil. Other benefits include skin health, proper heart health, and brain health.
Benefits of using black truffle oil
Black truffle oil is high in minerals and antioxidants that:
- reduce inflammation
- kills cancer cells
- preventing cardiovascular diseases
- preventing acne, age spots, and freckles
What does black truffle oil taste like?
The flavor of black truffle oil is much more intense than white truffle oil. Black truffle oil has a slightly bitter and earthy taste, while white truffle oil has a more mild and slightly nutty taste. While both oils have an intense aroma, black truffle oil’s scent is heavier, while the scent of white truffle oil is lighter.
What does white truffle oil taste like?
White truffle oil has a milder taste than black truffle oil and can be used in dishes where a stronger, earthier flavor might overpower other ingredients. It’s also great to use with seafood because it doesn’t overpower the flavors of the dish.
Black truffle oil nutrition facts
Just like the majority of oils, black truffle oil is simply oil. A 14g tablespoon serving contains:
| Ingredients | Qty |
| Calories | 119 |
| Total fat | 14g, of which; saturated: 1.9g; polyunsaturated: 1.4g; monounsaturated: 9.8g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Potassium | 0.1mg |
| Sodium | 0.3mg |
| Protein | 0g |
| Carbs | 0g |
White truffle nutrition facts
White truffle oil is quite similar to black truffle oil, as per the nutritional profile.
A 14g serving of white truffle oil contains:
| Ingredients | Qty |
| Calories | 124 |
| Total fat | 13.7g, of which; saturated: 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 1.7mg |
| Protein | 0g |
| Carbs | 0.2g, of which; sugar:0.1g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, black or white truffle oil?
To decide which is better than the other, you need to consider the type of dish you want to prep with the oil. White truffle oil will be better if it is a light dish, but if you are making a hearty meal, go for black truffle oil.
What distinguishes black truffle from white truffle?
Aroma is the most significant difference between the two types of truffle. While white truffles have a delicate aroma, black truffles have a strong and earthy aroma.
Which is better for fries, black or white truffle oil?
The strong and earthy aroma (and taste) typical of black truffle oil makes it better suited for fries.
Conclusion:
Black and white truffle oils are quite different, as we’ve just seen. With each one suited for certain use cases, you now know what dish goes with what oil. However, this is just a guideline, as everyone has taste preferences. Feel free to experiment as much as you can, for you could discover new and better ways to use the oils.