Funghi

Fresh Whole

Fresh whole truffle is the perishable, uncooked specimen at peak—or as close as the supply chain allows. It is the only form that delivers the full volatile spectrum of white or black species, sold by the gram and treated like a living aroma bomb. Store cold, brush before use, and plan menus around the fruit within days. A good fresh whole is heavy, firm, and loud on the nose; a bad one is soft, cracked, or smells of ammonia. This is what auctions and dogs deliver; everything else is a compromise or a convenience.