What is the difference between real truffle oil and synthetic truffle oil?
Most truffle oils — including many sold in premium delis and online — are flavoured with a synthetic aromatic compound called 2,4-dithiapentane, which mimics the smell of truffle but contains no truffle at all. Real truffle oil is made by infusing genuine truffle (either black or white) into extra virgin olive oil. The difference in flavour is significant — real truffle oil has a more complex, earthy, nuanced character, while synthetic truffle oil tends to have a sharp, one-dimensional chemical intensity. Our Aix & Terra range uses real Périgord black truffle, verified by the ingredients list which will show "truffle" as a named ingredient rather than just "natural flavouring".
What is the difference between black truffle and white truffle?
Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) — known as Périgord truffle in France or tartufo nero in Italy — has an earthy, rich, slightly musky flavour that intensifies with gentle heat. It is found primarily in France (Périgord, Provence) and central Italy. White truffle (Tuber magnatum) — known as tartufo bianco — is rarer, more intensely aromatic, and most famously found in Piedmont and Tuscany in Italy. White truffle has a more delicate, garlicky, almost honeylike aroma and is never cooked — it is always shaved or drizzled fresh onto finished dishes. White truffle is significantly more expensive than black truffle.
How do I use truffle oil?
Truffle oil is a finishing condiment — it should almost never be cooked, as heat destroys the volatile aromatic compounds that give truffle its distinctive character. Use it at the very end of cooking, drizzled over a finished dish just before serving. Classic uses include: scrambled eggs, pasta with butter, risotto, French fries, pizza, burrata, carpaccio, soup and grilled mushrooms. A few drops go a long way — truffle oil is intensely flavoured and should be used with restraint. Store in a cool dark place away from heat.
What is Périgord black truffle?
Périgord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is one of the two most prized culinary truffles in the world, named after the Périgord region of the Dordogne in southwest France where it is most famously found. It grows underground near the roots of oak and hazelnut trees and is harvested between November and March. Périgord truffle has a distinctive earthy, rich, slightly chocolatey and musky aroma. The Aix & Terra range uses hand-selected black Périgord truffle and has won multiple Great Taste Awards for the quality and authenticity of its products.
Are truffle products suitable as gifts?
Yes — truffle products are among the most popular and well-received premium food gifts in the UK. The combination of rarity, luxury associations and distinctive flavour makes truffle products an impressive and memorable gift for food lovers. Our Aix & Terra truffle range has won Great Taste Awards, adding an independent quality credential that makes them even more compelling as gifts. We include truffle products in several of our luxury hampers, and all truffle products can be ordered individually for UK delivery with a personalised gift message.
Are your truffle products vegetarian?
Yes — all our truffle oils, truffle crisps and truffle-based spreads are suitable for vegetarians. Most are also suitable for vegans. Please check the individual product pages for full ingredient and allergen information.
Where can I buy real truffle oil in the UK?
The Artisan Olive Oil Company stocks a curated range of truffle specialities using real Périgord black truffle from Aix & Terra in France and Italian white truffle from Le Ferre in Apulia. All products are available for UK delivery from our London warehouse, with free delivery on orders over £70 to mainland UK.
