Definition & Meaning of "tartufo"

What is "tartufo"?

Tartufo is an Italian dessert composed of two or more flavors of gelato, often with melted chocolate or fruit syrup in the center, and covered in a shell of chocolate or cocoa. It originated in Pizzo, Calabria. At Mulino, tartufo is made with chocolate and hazelnut semifreddo, coated with cocoa, and served with a drizzle of fruit syrup and powdered sugar. Lemon tartufo is also available, made with lemon semifreddo and lemon sabayon. Tartufo is often served as a dessert, alongside other treats such as tiramisu, affogato, cannolis, and crème brulee.