Types Of Truffles

What makes truffles expensive is not mainly because of its taste but because of its rarity. There are only a few numbers of places in the world where this type of mushroom can be found including Europe—France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. There are also other types found in the US, specifically in Oregon and Washington, as well as in Asia including Middle East and North Africa.

Like other mushrooms, there are various types of truffles. These types determine mainly their appearance, size, color, shape, texture and its price in the market. Among these types, the most expensive and rare type is the “White Truffle.” Also called, “Alba Madonna,” this truffle type is usually found in Italy, specifically in around the city of Alba and also available in Croatia. Usually, the White Truffle is found in hazel, poplar, beech and oak trees.

With its flesh color which range from pale cream or brown, truffles usually grow during autumn months and each one can grow up 12 centimeter in diameter and could weigh 500 grams.

Next to the White Truffle is called the “Black truffle” or the “Black Périgord Truffle.” This is also quite expensive because this variety can only be found in the Périgord region in France. It is also found in oak trees unlike other types that can be found in other types of trees.

Black Truffles are hunted from late autumn to early winter. During these seasons, Black Truffles grow at their best ranging from 7 to 9 centimeters in diameter and could weigh from 80 grams to 100.

Because of the rarity of this mushroom, the production of Black Truffles has been made almost exclusively in the European countries. Black truffles are sold for about 1,000€ per kilo when bought in the farmer's market. Its price could go double at 3,490€ per kilo when bought from a retailer.

Then there’s the “Chinese Truffles.” This type is considered as “winter black truffle” which is usually cultivated and harvested in China. This can be considered as the most widely-distributed truffle type because it grows bountifully in most areas in China. Because these are widely available, Chinese truffles are the ones that are being exported very often to the West areas and are considered an “inferior-quality” substitute for black truffles.

There are also other types of Chinese Truffles including the “tuber melanosporum” which are usually made into truffle extracts and is sold at a high price; the “tuber himalayensis” which looks very similar to the “tuber melanosporum” an is only harvested in the Chinese Himalayas; the “tuber sinensis,” which are also found in high places and the “Chinese summer white truffle.”

Then, there’s the “Summer Truffle” or the “Black Summer Truffle” which are commonly found in Italy, central Europe and the UK. Some varieties also grow in Turkey and North Africa. When it comes to the field of culinary, the “Summer Truffle” is of very high value which is priced from $1,500 per kilogram or $670 per pound and above.