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Bonn, May 20, 2025 – In the world of gourmet cuisine, truffles are considered black gold. This highly prized delicacy requires not only a delicate touch when harvesting, but also careful handling and absolute precision in storage and transport. GO! Express & Logistics transports these delicate mushroom rarities with the utmost care and in record time to where they are in demand – the best kitchens in Europe.

The journey of the truffle – from the earth to the gourmet plate

The exact origin of truffles remained a mystery for a long time – divine intervention or lightning strikes were thought to trigger their growth.

Today we know that truffles thrive in specific climate zones, particularly in Italy, France, and parts of Germany. Truffles grow underground, usually in symbiosis with oak or hazelnut trees, and are known for their intense aroma and rarity. They are traditionally harvested with the help of specially trained dogs or pigs.

The smell of truffles is so intense that truffle dogs can often detect them from several meters away.

A single truffle can cost several hundred euros – a true delicacy that requires high-quality shipping.

GO! Express & Logistics delivers to exclusive customers such as premium restaurants, luxury hotels, and delicatessens. Its customers include chefs for whom freshness and timing are essential.

Safe freshness logistics for truffles: the highest standards for quality and aroma

Uninterrupted compliance with the cold chain at 0–4°C is essential when transporting fresh truffles. Specially equipped refrigerated trucks or insulated packaging with cooling packs are ideal, as even slight temperature fluctuations can lead to a significant loss of quality. Truffles are a particularly sensitive natural product with a limited shelf life. White truffles usually stay fresh for 2 to 7 days, black truffles for around 10 to 12 days. This is the period during which they develop their unique aroma.

The truffles are wrapped in breathable material such as rice paper or kitchen paper and then placed in air-permeable, insulated containers to prevent condensation and mold. Vacuum packaging must be strictly avoided. Speed is of the essence: white truffles in particular should reach their destination within 24 to 48 hours to preserve their freshness and aroma. When shipping abroad, fresh truffles are considered perishable goods, which is why special customs documents and continuous temperature monitoring – for example, using data loggers – are required.

Express shipping is therefore mandatory.

Exquisite variety on the plate – how truffles can be used in gourmet cuisine

Truffles are a versatile ingredient in haute cuisine – their intense aroma ranges from earthy and nutty to slightly garlicky. Even small quantities lend dishes a luxurious flavor.

They are particularly often used thinly sliced on pasta, risotto, or carpaccio—the heat brings out the aroma perfectly. Truffles are also popular in refined forms: as oil in dressings, as butter on baguettes, in fine mayonnaise, cheese, or even in pastry creations.

They can even be used in desserts – for example, truffle honey on vanilla ice cream or in combination with dark chocolate.

White Alba truffles (Tuber magnatum pico) from Piedmont are particularly sought after for their delicate, sweet, garlicky aroma. They are considered the most expensive edible mushrooms in the world and are only available from October to December – a highlight of the festive season.

Black Périgord truffles (Tuber melanosporum), also known as “black diamonds,” come from France. Their deep, nutty, earthy aroma unfolds especially when cooked – for example, in truffle scrambled eggs, foie gras, or meat dishes. Their season lasts from December to March.

There are also varieties such as the milder summer truffle (Tuber aestivum), also known as the “Burgundy truffle” – ideal for beginners and light dishes. Each truffle has its own character profile, influenced by climate, soil, and harvesting method – just like fine wines.

Truffles are therefore much more than a luxurious accompaniment – they are a culinary statement that combines creativity and craftsmanship. In the hands of ambitious chefs, they open up countless possibilities for refining, surprising, and inspiring dishes. And this is precisely where precision comes into play: for this rare delicacy to unfold its full character, it requires not only culinary skill but also logistical precision. Express and logistics companies ensure that truffles arrive at their destination as quickly as possible in optimal condition, with maximum freshness and punctual delivery – whether to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, a delicatessen in Berlin or an exclusive event in Zurich.