Types of Truffle

There are many types of truffle fungus, each with their own unique characteristics and flavors. The value is determined by their desireability to eat and availability. Some of the fabled types of truffle to eat are:

1. Black Winter Truffle: Also known as Périgord truffle, this truffle is one of the most highly prized and expensive. It has a pungent, earthy flavor and is found in the winter months.
2. White Truffle: Found mainly in Italy, and only in the wild. The white truffle has a delicate and distinct flavor that is highly sought after. It is typically harvested in autumn and is the most expensive due to its rarity.
3. Burgundy Truffle: Also known as summer truffle, the burgundy truffle has a milder flavor than other types and is found in the summer months.
4. Muscat Truffle: also known as Tuber Brumale or winter truffle, is a species of truffle native to Southern Europe. It is naturally present in the soils of many truffle orchards.
5. Oregon Black Truffle: Native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, the Oregon black truffle flavour has notes of chocolate and hazelnut.
6. Chinese Truffle: The Chinese truffle is a cheap alternative to European varieties. It has a mild flavor and is often used in Asian cuisine.
7. Himalayan Truffle: Found in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, the Himalayan truffle has a distinctive nutty flavor and is often used in traditional Himalayan cuisine.

Far from extensive, this list is only the main foodie types of truffle that is consumed around the world.

History of Truffles

Truffles have a long and fascinating history that can be traced back thousands of years. These prized fungi were highly valued by ancient civilizations for their unique and intense flavor and aroma, and were often used in religious and medicinal practices.

The earliest known reference to truffles dates back to ancient Sumeria, where they were mentioned in cuneiform texts dating back to 2100 BC. Truffles were also consumed by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that they had aphrodisiac properties. Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder wrote about truffles in his natural history encyclopedia, noting that they were prized for their flavor and were often hunted by pigs.

During the Middle Ages, truffles fell out of favor in Europe due to their association with pagan rituals and superstitions. However, they regained popularity during the Renaissance, when Italian nobility began using them in their cuisine. The Medici family of Florence were particularly fond of truffles, and employed truffle hunters to find them in the forests of Tuscany.

In the 19th century, truffles began to be cultivated, rather than hunted, which made them more widely available and less expensive. However, wild truffles remain highly valued and are often more sought after than their cultivated counterparts.

Today, truffles are still considered a delicacy and are used in high-end cuisine all over the world. They are particularly prized in France, where the black winter truffle is harvested from the forests of Périgord, and in Italy, where the white truffle is found in the Piedmont region. Truffle festivals and auctions are held annually in these regions, where truffles can fetch prices of thousands of dollars per kilogram.

The history of truffles is a rich and varied, with many fascinating cultural, culinary, and medicinal associations.