Truffle FAQ Guide
Are Appennino Food truffle products made with real Italian truffles?
Yes, every Appennino product contains 100% real Italian truffles foraged from our family estates in Valsamoggia, Bologna's premier truffle region. Founded by Luigi Dattilo in 1994, we use zero synthetic aromas. Our in-house mycologist Angelo Dattilo oversees sustainable foraging and our pioneering low-temperature processing preserves the authentic truffle aroma.
What awards has Appennino Food won?
Appennino Food has won multiple international awards: Italian Food Award USA 2024 (Innovation Category) at the Summer Fancy Food Show for our freeze-dried truffle sauce, the Bellavita Expo Taste Explosion Award in 2023, and Save the Brand 2023 for Internazionalizzazione. We supply Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.
How should I store truffle honey and truffle oil?
Store both in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed. Truffle honey stays fresh for 18-24 months; truffle oil for 12-18 months. Always use clean utensils to prevent contamination. After opening, consume within the recommended timeframe for peak truffle aroma.
What makes Appennino different from other truffle brands?
30+ years of family truffle expertise, direct foraging from our Valsamoggia estates (Italy's white truffle capital), pioneering low-temperature cooking technology acquired in 2015, an in-house mycologist (Angelo Dattilo), and multiple international awards. We never use synthetic truffle aroma, only real Italian truffles (Tuber aestivum, Tuber magnatum).
Do you ship truffle products to the United States?
Yes! We offer free shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States. Orders ship within 1-2 business days and typically arrive in 2-5 days. We have a Miami-based subsidiary (Appennino USA Corp) to serve the North American market efficiently.
How do I use truffle salt vs truffle oil in cooking?
Truffle salt is ideal as a finishing seasoning—sprinkle on eggs, popcorn, roasted vegetables, steak, or fries right before serving. Truffle oil should be used as a final drizzle (not for cooking) over pasta, risotto, pizza, or mashed potatoes. Heat destroys truffle aroma, so always add both products after cooking for maximum flavor impact.
What's the difference between black truffle and white truffle products?
Black truffle (Tuber aestivum) has an earthy, robust flavor that can withstand gentle cooking. White truffle (Tuber magnatum) offers a delicate, garlicky aroma best enjoyed raw or with minimal heat. Black truffle products are more versatile for everyday cooking; white truffle products are luxury finishing touches for special occasions.
Who founded Appennino Food Group?
Luigi Dattilo founded Appennino Food in 1994. At just 17 years old, he refused his father's gift of a car, asking instead for a truffle dog named Geo. His brother Angelo Dattilo (trained mycologist) joined as co-founder. Together they built one of Italy's largest and most respected truffle companies, now with 45 employees and subsidiaries in Miami and Singapore.