Fresh magic truffles have a limited shelf life, they are a fresh product. How do you store them so they stay fresh, and what should you watch for? A short, practical guide.
Fresh truffles are a fresh product
Magic truffles, or sclerotia, are fresh and contain moisture. Just like vegetables or fruit, they lose their freshness if you store them the wrong way. With a little care they stay good the longest and as intended.
In the fridge, in the sealed packaging
The best spot is the fridge, in the original and well sealed packaging. Cool and dark slows down spoilage. Keep the packaging closed as long as you are not using them yet, because air is one of the biggest culprits.
Once opened
Once you have opened the packaging, the truffles keep for only a limited time, think in days, not weeks. Seal them as well as you can, for example in an airtight container, and keep them chilled. If they smell musty or you see mould that does not belong, do not use them.
The freezer? Better not
Freezing is not the way to go. Freezing and thawing damages the structure of the truffle, which does not do the quality any favours. Stick with the fridge.
Mind the best before date
There is a best before date on the packaging, use the truffles up before then. We take products out of sale ourselves before they pass their shelf life, so that you receive a fresh product. After that, storing them is up to you.
And drying?
Some people dry truffles to keep them longer. That changes the weight considerably, because dried is much lighter than fresh, and that makes estimating an amount trickier. If you are just starting out, keep it simple and stick with fresh. You can read more about amounts in dosing truffles without a scale.
Want to know what to look for when buying? Read buying magic truffles. Ready for your first time? Have a look at your first time with truffles.
This article is informational and not medical advice. Only use magic truffles if you are 18 years or older and mind the contra-indications.