Gourmet Edible Truffles

Mushroom lovers would not want to miss out on a chance to eat the rarest and the most expensive type of fungi in the world—the truffles. Studies show that truffles are included in the top 10 most expensive natural foods in the world which sells at a whopping US $150,000 and above per pound!!! 

Truffles are basically mushrooms. Only these are found underground and don’t form a prominent stem like other mushroom types. When it comes to its appearance, truffles can be compared to small potatoes. 

Because of rarity, truffles are considered among the most expensive natural food products in the world. Studies show that there are very limited numbers places where truffles are cultivated and harvested. The most popular truffle-producing continent is the Europe wherein countries like France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. 

There are also some varieties that can be found in the United States including areas in Washington and Oregon as well as in Asia, particularly in China and the Middle East. Other varieties and truffle-like species also grow in North Africa. 

Truffles have risen to popularity because these are used in various gourmet restaurants to come up with dishes that use truffles as main or substitute ingredient. Here are some of the most common types of truffles that are being used in gourmet dishes: 

- the Oregon white truffle or Tuber oregonense and T. gibbosum found in the Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia to northern California and usually grow from February to June. 

- the Oregon brown truffle or the Leucangium brunneum which has an exterior with reddish-brown color along with a grayish mottled interior. It is used in dishes and specialties requiring garlicky flavor and aroma. 

- the Oregon black truffle or the Leucangium carthusianum. Formerly called Picoa carthusiana, this type of truffle is less common compared to the Oregon white truffles. These are not used regularly because they look like coals, with very dark appearance. It also has a very pungent and earthy odor once it is ripe. When used, this type of truffle is mixed with dishes with pineapple, ground almonds, Parmesan and chocolate as ingredients. 

- the French black truffle or Tuber melanosporum. This is considered as among the most expensive types, ranging from $1000 to $3000 per pound. Exclusively found in Perigord region in France before, other countries like United States, Spain, and Australia because of the high demand. Most chefs use the French Black Truffle because its blue-black colored exterior which is very refreshing in various dishes. Ripe or matured French Black Truffles with brown-black color are used in specialty dishes because it its earthy and pungent smell. 

- the Italian white truffle or Tuber magnatum which is commonly found in Piedmont in Italy. Next to the French Black Truffles, this type is preferred by many gourmet chefs because it has a distinctive peppery taste which is very ideal when served raw. 

- the Burgundy or Summer truffle. Also called the Tuber aestivum or Tuber uncinatum, this type originates in France, Italy, and Spain. Because of the demand, Summer Truffles are also grown in Sweden and New Zealand.  More and more gourmet restaurants prefer using Summer Truffles in their dished because of light scent compared to other types. 
