Storing/Serving Tips: Once a fresh truffle is out of the ground, it doesn't keep long. To best preserve your truffle, wrap it in a paper towel, put in an airtight plastic container and set in the refrigerator. Do not clean the truffle until you are ready to use it. To clean it, gently remove any dirt that remains with a soft brush, then use the tip of a paring knife to loosen any pockets of dirt in the crevices, then lightly brush again.

Avoid condensation and humidity. If you wish, store the truffle with eggs in the refrigerator to impart its flavor into the eggs. Be sure the shells are perfectly dry. Do not store in dry rice, as the rice dehydrates the truffle.

Black winter truffles are intense and are best when cooked so their flavor is released. This is the truffle to shave paper thin and stuff under the skin of a capon, turkey, duck or pheasant before roasting. Foie gras terrines often feature layers of black truffle slices, for the ultimate flavor combination. As with any truffle, natural pairings include omelets, pasta, polentas, potatoes, and risottos. Infuse wine or Armagnac sauces with the earthiness of the black truffle by grating a small amount into the sauce toward the end of cooking.