Recipes & Cooking How to Cook Ingredient Explainers What Is a Truffle Mushroom—and Why Are They They So Expensive? Get to know truffle mushrooms—and find out why they come with such a hefty price tag—with our deep look into the coveted underground fungi. By Katlyn Moncada Katlyn Moncada Katlyn Moncada is the associate food editor at BHG.com, sharing food news and tutorials on becoming better home cooks. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience in digital media, photography, and video production. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on November 21, 2023 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process Several years ago, I enjoyed a fancy multi-course meal with one standout dish I still dream about: truffle risotto. It was my first experience with truffles (and legit risotto, for that matter), and I savored every last bite. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, and I accomplished another culinary goal by cooking with my first-ever black truffle in celebration of the annual Black Truffle Festival. The virtual session taught me how to make the most amazing truffle pasta (more on that later). After indulging in one of the best meals I've ever made home, I wondered, "What is a truffle, exactly?" And since truffles cost so much, I wanted to know the best way to store them so I wouldn't let any go to waste. Here's what I found out, so you'll know what to do if you are lucky enough to get your hands on a fresh truffle. Host a French Dinner Party with This Sophisticated Menu and Tablescape Adobe Stock/larionovao What Is a Truffle? A truffle (not to be confused with the chocolate treat) is a type of ectomycorrhizal fungi, meaning it grows in a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees. Unlike more common mushroom varieties, truffles grow entirely underground. According to Sabrina Notarnicola, vice president of marketing at Urbani Truffles, they are "primarily found in Italy, and they can be found in similar Mediterranean climates around the world." There are several species of truffles, but the most common edible varieties are black truffles (Tuber melanosporum) or white truffles (Tuber mangnatum). Europe produces the most valuable truffles, though truffles can be cultivated and grown around the world. What is a Truffle's Flavor? Unless you've had them, it's hard to describe what truffles taste like. Black truffles feature an earthy aroma and taste. White truffles have a more pungent smell and flavor. Why Are Truffles So Expensive? When buying truffles, they can go for hundreds (even thousands!) of dollars per pound. Notarnicola says truffles grow best in moist environments, and after a rain, large truffles can appear overnight. So what's the deal with truffle cost? In one word, scarcity. These mushrooms are seasonal, difficult to grow, and take years to cultivate properly. While they can be cultivated, doing so is challenging and time-intensive. Pair that with their short shelf-life, and you've got the perfect formula for a highly sought-after (and pricey) culinary delicacy. Technically, you can find different varieties of truffles at all times of the year depending on the growing location (i.e. black summer truffle, black winter truffle, etc.). You'll find white truffles mostly in fall and winter, with their peak season in October and December. How to Store Truffles So you got a black truffle, but what's the best way to keep it fresh? Notarnicola says truffles (black or white) are best stored refrigerated, individually wrapped in a clean paper towel, and inside an airtight container. You might see some guides saying to store in rice (the dry rice grains wick the moisture from the truffles), but don't do this unless you are trying to infuse the truffle flavor into the rice. "Truffles are highly perishable, so by the time a truffle reaches a customer, they can expect anywhere from three to seven days of ripeness," Notarnicola says. "Each truffle is different, so this is a variable." All of the Types of Mushrooms You Should Know Black truffle shavings make the perfect earthy garnish for pasta, steaks, and more. Katlyn Moncada What Is a Truffle Served With? Notarnicola says truffles can be served with almost anything. White truffle is great sliced raw on top of risotto or steak. Use a truffle shaver to achieve the signature thin cuts. You can make the delicious black truffle pasta I mentioned earlier for an easy truffle recipe. It's a simple creamy sauce made with truffle butter and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese that brings out the truffle's natural flavors. If you're not ready to shell out the money for a fresh truffle, you can still get the aroma in popular products such as truffle oil ($29, Amazon), truffle salt, or the super trendy truffle hot sauce ($18, Truff). These truffle products use either a small amount of truffle or are infused with a natural essence of truffle to achieve the flavor profile, which keeps the cost low. More Interesting Foods to Try What is Chili Crisp—and How Do I Use It? What is Saffron, and Why Is It So Expensive? What are Ramps, And How Do You Cook With Them? What Does Lychee Taste Like? All About This Tropical Fruit Black Garlic is Loved by Chefs and Health Professionals Alike—Here's Why Frequently Asked Questions How are truffles different from other mushrooms? Truffles and mushrooms are both members of the fungi kingdom, but unlike other mushrooms, truffles—which are part of the tuberaceae family—grow entirely underground and only in very specific conditions. Truffles are also seasonal, extremely rare, and difficult to find and cultivate while most other mushroom varieties grow abundantly and can be cultivated in any season. Can you eat truffle mushrooms? Yes, truffle mushrooms are edible and best consumed raw or only slightly warmed. Do not cook them on high heat or their musky, intoxicating flavor will be lost. What's the best way to eat truffle mushrooms? With truffle mushrooms, a little goes a long way. To enjoy the flavor of truffle mushrooms to the fullest, gently clean them and shave them raw over a finished dish just before serving. Truffles pair well with foods that have a high fat content (like butter, cream, cheese, and oils) and are excellent on risotto, eggs, soups, potatoes, and pasta dishes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit