Funghi

Tuber aestivum

A tier

Tuber aestivum is the summer truffle, a black species with a warted exterior and a hazelnut-tan gleba that is milder and nuttier than winter melanosporum. It fruits in warmer months across much of Europe under broadleaf hosts and is more affordable and available, which made it a workhorse for restaurants that want truffle character without midwinter prices. Aroma is pleasant—mushroom, hazelnut, light garlic—but quieter. Shave generously over salads, omelettes, and pasta; because intensity is lower, volume and good olive oil matter. Summer truffle takes gentle cooking better than white truffle yet still prefers finishing over long simmering. Excellent for teaching truffle technique before stepping up to Périgord or Alba.