Black truffle grades: choose by shape, weight and use
The right grade starts with the preparation, not simply the name on an offer. A truffle shaved at the table serves a different presentation need from one used in a sauce. Iberian Truffle Trade supplies fresh Tuber melanosporum from Teruel, Spain, never frozen, in Extra, I and II grades. Use the distinctions below to describe your requirements and prepare a specification for agreement before ordering.
Request an offerExtra: regular shape for table shaving
Extra truffles weigh more than 20 grams and are round or oval. This grade is for table shaving, where the shape of the whole truffle is part of the intended presentation. If this is how you plan to use the product, identify Extra in the request and explain the table service requirement in your message.
The stated weight is more than 20 grams; it is not a promise of one fixed weight for every piece. Keep the grade description separate from any additional requirement you wish to discuss. The final specification must be agreed before the order rather than inferred from the grade name alone.
Grade I: irregular shape for the kitchen
Grade I truffles also weigh more than 20 grams, but their shape is irregular. They are intended for kitchen use where shape is unimportant. For a buyer whose preparation does not depend on a round or oval whole truffle, this description provides a different purchasing starting point from Extra.
Explain the intended kitchen use instead of asking for a regular shape within a grade defined as irregular. If your preparation does require table presentation, revisit which grade to request. The purpose of the comparison is to align the order with your actual use, with the final specification agreed before purchase.
Grade II: whole or broken for preparations
Grade II truffles weigh less than 20 grams and are irregular, whole or broken. Their stated uses are sauces, butter and infusions, and this grade is relevant to volume buyers. A whole piece and a broken piece can both fall within this description; do not read the grade as a promise that every piece will be whole.
For a preparation based on these uses, state Grade II and the weekly kilograms you are seeking. Describe the application in the message so the buying discussion is not reduced to weight alone. Any final specification needs agreement before the order, including the requirements you want considered for that preparation.
Compare what the descriptions actually say
Extra and Grade I share the stated threshold of more than 20 grams, while their shapes and intended uses differ. Grade II is described as less than 20 grams and irregular, whole or broken. If you need clarification about a requirement not covered by those descriptions, ask before ordering rather than creating a category of your own.
These grades describe weight, shape and use; they do not establish organic availability or a certification claim. Contact us for an organic enquiry. Similarly, ask about samples and minimum order quantities instead of treating a grade selection as confirmation that either is available on particular terms.
Turn your selection into an offer request
Provide your company, country, work email, buyer role, grade, weekly kilograms, destination airport and first delivery date, plus a message about your requirements. Prices are never published. Offers are requested directly, with pricing determined by the market after the November to March harvest begins. Harvesting uses trained dogs; out of season enquiries receive the next harvest date instead of a price.
First orders require 100% prepayment. Truffles are packed on harvest day and shipped directly in under 48 hours in isothermal packaging following IATA requirements. For export, ask for the current documents list for your country. On arrival, follow the instructions in the box, keep the truffles cool and avoid heat rather than relying on an unspecified storage temperature or shelf life.