Truffle Oil
Truffle-infused oil has gained traction in foodies’ pantries during the last decade, allowing cooks to add some earthy flavor to their pastas and risottos. Actual truffles sell for more than $3,000 a pound, so $20 for a small flask of truffle oil might seem like a good deal.
The problem is that many truffle oils don’t include any actual truffles. The flavoring comes from chemicals such as 2,4-dithiapentane, which makes that $20 seems like a bad deal.
The chemically-fueled truffle oil is relatively pricey, given that some sells for $5.90 an ounce while extra virgin olive oil can be found for about 50 cents an ounce. While cooks might be willing to pay more for that truffle taste even if the source is a chemistry lab, it’s best to be aware of what you are paying for.
Some food companies are making oils infused with actual truffles, such as Urbani Truffles, where 1.8 fluid ounces costs about $12. Another option is to buy truffle salt, which contains pieces of truffles with the salt. It’s also pricey, with a 3.5-ounce jar of white truffle salt carrying a $25 price tag.
To check if you’re buying a truffle oil made with chemicals, read the label. If the ingredients include “truffles,” then you are buying the real thing. If it says “truffle aroma” or “natural flavoring,” then the flavor is coming from chemicals.
