National Truffle Day is celebrated annually on May 2. A dictionary search of the word ‘truffle’ may bring up a subterranean fungus, but that isn’t what we’re celebrating. Right now, we are honoring the great truffle — a beloved chocolate dessert. It comes with finger-licking surprises ranging from added fruits and nuts to cream centers. This holiday is also an opportunity to show off your culinary skills to entertain friends and family. Children will take particular pleasure in this holiday — just make sure to keep them away from the main stash, lest they get a sugar high.
History of National Truffle Day
Chocolate truffles are believed to have been invented by Louis Dufour in Chambray, in 1895. This was as a result of an experiment whereby he was trying to come up with a very delicious Christmas treat. Little did he know that it would get its own holiday. Dufour formed some ganache into a ball and dipped it into melted chocolate. Years later, in 1902, his relative, Antoine Dufour, took the recipe to England and opened up a shop named Prestat Chocolate Shop. Currently, truffles are made in a variety of ways, with different ingredients.
The word ‘truffle’ comes from the Latin word ‘tuber,’ which means ‘outgrowth’ or ‘lump.’ It dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who held truffles in high esteem and ate them coated in goose fat.
The original chocolate truffle was a ball of ganache, or a whipped chocolate and cream filling, often flavored and coated in cocoa. Nowadays, the term is often used to describe any type of filled chocolate, but the ganache is what gives the truffle its special distinction.
However, today’s truffles come in a lot of different shapes and can be coated in a variety of flavorful lusters like sweet curry, peppercorns, and paprika. Filled chocolates, such as truffles, can be kept for about three to four months (unless they’re full of preservatives). Of course, most chocolates never contain any preservatives or additives, so be sure to eat them while they’re fresh.
National Truffle Day timeline
The chocolate truffle is invented by Louis Dufour in Chambray, France.
Antoine Dufour opens the first truffle shop.
The first known recipe for a chocolate truffle appears in cookbooks.
The American truffle is created by Joseph Schmidt in San Francisco.
National Truffle Day FAQs
Do truffles have truffle in them?
While truffles did inspire the name, it is not because these sweet little bites are made from mushrooms. It’s because they vaguely resemble the fungus.
Is National Truffle Day a day to celebrate a mushroom?
The day is set aside to celebrate the delicious chocolate treats, also called ‘truffles.’
What is the difference between chocolate ganache and chocolate truffle?
Ganache is a creamy chocolate mixture used as a filling or frosting. A truffle is a confection made of chocolate, butter, sugar, and sometimes liqueur, shaped into balls often coated with cocoa.
National Truffle Day Activities
Go get some truffles
Run to your local candy shop and get yourself and your loved ones some nice truffle treats. This is the day to go all out!
Throw a party
Have a party with only truffles being served. Who wouldn't love that?
Make your own truffles
Try your hand at making truffles! Share at work or eat at home, but don’t forget to post online!
5 Interesting Facts About Truffles
Several ingredients can be used
Truffles may contain caramel, fruits, creams, nuts, or whatever your taste buds are hungry for.
They come in different shapes and sizes
They are usually circular but can be molded into different shapes like pyramids, cubes, and whatever else you could possibly think of.
They bear relation to a fungus
They were named ‘truffle’ because of the visual similarities to the mushroom of the same name.
Truffles are mostly ganache and chocolate
The insides are made of ganache with a chocolate covering for a delightful taste.
It’s mainly a three-type treat
There are American, European, and Swiss truffles.
Why We Love National Truffle Day
It brings people together
This holiday makes people gather and eat together. It creates opportunities for reunions.
It's an excuse to eat chocolate treats
We think the dentist won't hold this one against you, as truffles have been known to be irresistible. Besides, everyone needs a cheat day every now and then.
It unlocks hidden culinary skills
Truffles can be made in several ways, so everyone gets to have fun in the kitchen. Time to try your hand at making this fantastic treat.
National Truffle Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | May 2 | Friday |
2026 | May 2 | Saturday |
2027 | May 2 | Sunday |
2028 | May 2 | Tuesday |
2029 | May 2 | Wednesday |