The Expensive Edible Fungus other than Mushroom – Truffle

What’s Truffle?

Truffle is a highly prized and sought-after edible fungus that grows underground in symbiotic association with certain tree roots, particularly oak and hazelnut trees. These below-ground-growing fungi are known for their unique organoleptic properties, including their characteristic aroma and flavor. The truffle species belonging to the genus Tuber, such as Tuber melanosporum and T. aestivum, are renowned worldwide for their delicate aroma and are considered culinary delicacies (Splivallo et al., 2019). Their unique flavor and aroma, often described as earthy and musky, add a touch of luxury to any dish. These prized fungal delicacies are not only appreciated for their taste and aroma but also for their potential health benefits.

Why do dogs love to find truffles?

Dogs, specifically trained truffle dogs, possess a remarkable ability to locate truffles underground.  Not only do humans appreciate truffles, but man’s best friend also shares a great enthusiasm for these elusive treasures. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect the unique chemical compounds emitted by truffles. These compounds, such as dimethyl sulfide and various alcohols, create a distinctive aroma that is irresistible to dogs.

The Health Benefits of Truffles

 Truffles have long been used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. They have a rich nutritional value, containing minerals, fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, and other organic molecules that contribute to their health benefits. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help boost the immune system and protect against chronic diseases. Furthermore, studies have shown that truffles possess antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of infections (Wu et al., 2022). Additionally, truffles have been found to have antitumor and anticancer properties (Wu et al., 2022). These properties are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids (Wu et al., 2022).

Why Truffles are so expensive?

Truffles are known to be one of the most expensive edible fungi, and there are several reasons for this. Truffles are known for their high price tag, which can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars per pound. Several factors contribute to the high cost of truffles.

Firstly, truffles are difficult to find as they grow underground and require specific soil conditions and tree associations. This makes truffle hunting a challenging and time-consuming process, often requiring the use of specially trained dogs or pigs to locate them.

Furthermore, truffle production is limited and unpredictable. The production of truffles is highly dependent on factors such as climate, soil conditions, and the health of their host trees. Because truffles are a natural and wild product, their availability can vary from year to year. Additionally, truffles have a short shelf life and cannot be stored for extended periods. As a result, there is often high demand for the limited supply of truffles, leading to their high price in the market.

The prolonged time taken by the tree to make truffles is crucial. The fungal spore basically spread over the ground of the soil. These are a kind of beneficial symbiotic relationship with each other where the fungus creeping on their roots, helps to transfer soil minerals and nutrients to the tree.