The Curious History of Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles are a classic treat, always present at any time of day and at any event.

However, little is known about their history. Were they originally called truffles? Why are they known as truffles? We will answer these questions and many more throughout this article.

Louis Dufour: The Creator of Chocolate Truffles

The origin of chocolate truffles dates back to 1895. Louis Dufour, a master chocolatier and pastry chef living in Chambéry, France, found himself out of stock on December 28th. Due to the high demand for sweets and the influx of customers, Dufour had to use all his creativity to ensure that his customers did not leave his shop empty-handed.

Although he could have asked for help from nearby bakeries, they were likely in the same situation as he was. Therefore, he decided to handle the situation on his own. Using what he had on hand, he set out to create what would later be known as chocolate truffles.

He still had some cream, cocoa (only the bitter kind), and vanilla in stock. So, he mixed the cream with the cocoa and vanilla, creating a type of ganache, a pastry cream made with cocoa. With no other resources available, he formed small balls and dusted them with more bitter cocoa. The result? Chocolate truffles.

A Delicacy Similar to Périgord Truffles

The chocolate truffles created by Dufour were an instant sensation. Customers began to consume and talk about them, calling them Périgord truffles. The reason for this name was that their irregular appearance and black color reminded them of the black truffles found in Périgord.

Périgord is a region in southwestern France known for its forests called Périgord Noir, where truffles commonly color the soil. Although Dufour’s chocolate truffles were different, as they are a sweet, they were immediately compared to this mushroom.

This comparison worked greatly in his favor. Chocolate truffles, even today, are a highly coveted treat that rarely misses our tables during Christmas. Their small size and bitter flavor make them a truly addictive delicacy.

Just like the original truffles, which are also in high demand due to their exquisite taste and how well they pair with certain dishes, chocolate truffles become the perfect dessert to offer guests during festive occasions.

A Dessert for Cold Seasons

The reason we often associate chocolate truffles with Christmas is that this sweet is typically sold only from October to February. There is a reason for this.

Like other confections such as chocolates, chocolate truffles can lose their quality and melt in the summer. For this reason, it is a dessert meant to be enjoyed during the fall and winter months. This way, we can fully enjoy this treat without compromising its quality.

Did you know this story about chocolate truffles? You might never have imagined they had such a curious origin. If Dufour had not run out of resources in his shop, we might not be able to enjoy this exquisite delicacy today. A true pity for our palate, right?