By Beleaev Family | International Caviar & Gourmet, Head Office London | beleaev.com
Fresh truffle is one of the last truly seasonal luxuries. Each variety has its window, the windows barely overlap, and a truffle eaten in the wrong month is a beautiful price tag attached to very little smell. Here is the calendar we buy by, arranged for UK delivery through 2026 and into 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Summer truffle: May to August, gentle and affordable
- Autumn (Burgundy) truffle: September to December, hazelnut depth
- White Alba truffle: roughly October to December, the season's event
- Winter Périgord (black) truffle: December to early March, the cook's king
- Buy inside the window and use within days; aroma does not wait
The Year at a Glance
| Months | Variety | Character | Spend level |
|---|---|---|---|
| May-Aug | Summer truffle | Mild, nutty, crisp | Accessible |
| Sep-Dec | Autumn / Burgundy | Hazelnut, woodland | Mid |
| Oct-Dec | White Alba | Garlic-honey perfume, raw only | The splurge |
| Dec-Mar | Winter Périgord | Deep cocoa-earth, loves heat | High |
Right Now and Next: Summer into Autumn
June sits squarely in summer truffle season. Tuber aestivum will not perfume a room, and that is its charm: shave it generously over burrata, eggs or a butter pasta without budget anxiety. From September the Burgundy truffle takes over with real woodland depth, the thinking cook's bridge to the winter peaks.
The Headliners: Alba and Périgord
White Alba truffle arrives around October: an aroma event more than an ingredient, shaved raw at the table over tajarin, risotto or fried eggs in the very days it lands. Treat the short season like opera tickets. From December the black Périgord steps up, the only one of the four that genuinely loves gentle heat, infusing butters, sauces and roast birds until early March. Both deserve booking ahead; we notify clients as each season's first arrivals land.
Buying Fresh Truffle Well
Three rules cover most of it. Buy inside the window, never on its edges. Plan the menu before the truffle arrives, then use it within three to five days, stored in the fridge in kitchen paper, jar loosely closed. And weigh honestly: 8-10g per person of white, 10-15g of black, makes the point without theatre.
The Beleaev truffle collection follows this calendar through the year, alongside truffle butters and pantry staples for the months between seasons. Cooking ideas live in our truffle guide, and for the ultimate pairing, truffle and caviar share a plate beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What truffle is in season right now in the UK?
Through early summer 2026, fresh summer truffle (Tuber aestivum). Burgundy arrives from September, white Alba from around October, black Périgord from December.
When is white truffle season?
Roughly October to December, peaking in the late-autumn weeks. It is short, variable with the weather, and worth planning around.
How long does a fresh truffle keep?
Three to five days at its best, refrigerated in paper. The aroma fades daily, so the calendar answer and the kitchen answer are the same: soon.
Are truffles available year-round in any form?
Yes: preserved truffle products, butters and oils hold the flavour between seasons honestly, and they are the right tool for cooked dishes outside the fresh windows.
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