What makes truffles costly is not mainly because of its taste but as a result of its rarity. There are simply a few number of places in the world where this kind of mushroom can be located including Europe-France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. There are also other types found in the US, specifically in Oregon and Washington, in addition to 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 every one can grow old 12 centimeter in diameter and could weigh 500 grams.
Alongside the White Truffle is called the Black truffle or the Black Perigord Truffle. This is in addition quite expensive as this variety can only be located in the Perigord region in France. It is also found in oak trees unlike other types that can be located in other sorts 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.
As a result of the rarity of this mushroom, the production of Black Truffles has been created almost exclusively in the European states. 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 is the Chinese Truffles. This type is considered as winter black truffle which is normally 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. As these are widely available, Chinese truffles are those that are being exported regularly to the West areas and are considered inferior-quality substitute for black truffles.
There are also other sorts of Chinese Truffles including the tuber melanosporum which are normally made into truffle extracts and is sold at a high cost; the tuber himalayensis which looks very much in-line with the tuber melanosporum an is only harvested in the Chinese Himalayas; the tuber sinensis, which are likewise located in high places and the Chinese summer white truffle.
Then, there’s the Summer Truffle or the Black Summer Truffle that are commonly located in Italy, central Europe and the UK. Some varieties also grow in Turkey and North Africa. When considering the field of culinary, the Summer Truffle is of extremely high value which is priced from $1,500 per kilogram or $670 per pound and above.