Truffle is a word that actually has different meanings. Just like praline, truffle can take on a different meaning depending on the country where it is used. Truffle is a word derived from tuber, a Latin term that means lump. Its name is actually taken from the truffle mushroom that is most typically found under poplar, hazel, and oak trees because of its irregularly shaped and striking physical resemblance.

The first ever chocolate truffle was a whipped cream and chocolate filling or a ball of ganache usually enrobed and flavored in cocoa. Today, the term is typically used for describing filled chocolate although the ganache is the reason that makes truffle distinct from the others. Modern-day truffles come in a variety of shapes with different coatings made from flavorful lusters including sweet curry, paprika, peppercorns, and more.

The Origin of the Truffle

The truffle was actually the result of an accident that took place inside the kitchen of the French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier during the 1920s. While one of Escoffier’s apprentices was trying to make some pastry cream, hot cream was accidentally poured into the bowl of chopped chocolate rather than the bowl of eggs and sugar.

Feeling frustrated, Escoffier shouted ganache, which means fool, to insult the apprentice. However, the moment the creamy mixture started to harden, he discovered the paste can be worked on using his hands to form a bumpy ball the size of a walnut. He then rolled this into some cocoa powder and he realized that it has a remarkable appearance similar to that of the luxurious truffle mushrooms found in Piedmont, Italy and the French Perigord region, thus the name truffle.

Throughout the following years, the ganache center was then rolled in various finishes to form different delish truffle textures including finely chopped nuts and confectioner’s sugar. This has also been made using a plethora of flavorful mix-ins such as liqueurs and champagnes, fudge, nougat, caramel, and more to make each one taste unique and different. However, the true secret of premium truffle is knowing the correct ratios of hot cream and chocolate and the numerous ganache styles being created.

Hopefully, this article has finally solved the mystery that enshrouds the great and world renowned chocolate truffle. The next time you are on the quest for the perfect gift for special people in your life, don’t think twice and look any further. With premium truffle, you will surely be able to put a big smile on someone’s face.