What are the Different Types of Truffles?

What are the Different Types of Truffles?

About 70 various types of truffles grow worldwide, but only some of them are known to be edible. Truffles are unique mushrooms because of their location underground. They also grow on the roots of certain types of trees such as oak and pine. Since truffles are hard to find, people use trained dogs and pig to hunt for them in the woods. That is why truffles are known to be one of the costliest foods in the world, with prices ranging from $150 to thousands of dollars. However, their rich taste and aroma make their price, scarcity, and quite unappealing appearance all worth it.

Are you considering truffles for culinary use? Then it pays to acquaint yourself with the different varieties of truffles available nowadays. In doing so, you know your various choices and how to pick the best one for your particular dish.


• Winter white truffle - This truffle type goes by other equally popular names such as Italian white truffle, Piedmont truffle, and white truffle from Alba. As the name suggests, this truffle is harvested in winter months from October through December. The winter white truffle is best known for its garlic-like flavor and musky smell. This truffle is not really white in color; it is actually yellowish.

• Winter black truffle - Native in European countries like France, Italy, and Spain, the winter black truffle is typically harvested between November and March. It is also called the black diamond of Provence or Perigord truffle. People mistakenly consider the French black truffle the best of all black truffles, though actually no truffle from a particular country is better than the others. The most sought-after truffle type, the winter black truffle is loved for its mild earthy aroma and flavor that resembles a mixture of earth and chocolate. It’s brownish or grayish black on the outside with white fine veins of the inside. Compared to the winter white truffle, the black variety has a subtler taste that lasts longer.

• Summer white truffle - Even if it has a milder aroma than its winter counterpart, the summer white truffle still has the pungent smell that is a trademark of white truffles. It is exactly the same species of truffles as the winter type, except that it is harvested in summer from January through April. It has a musky odor and a sweet taste with a little garlic-like flavor. The summer variety is cheaper than the winter variety, so it allows for more culinary consumption and experimentation.

• Summer black truffle - This truffle type may seem inferior to its winter counterpart, but it is still a palatable and flexible culinary wonder, so does other types of truffles. Usually harvested from May to August, summer black truffle is entirely a different species from the winter variety. It has a dark brown exterior and round crooked shape. On the inside, the flesh is yellowish gray with a web of white veins. It is cooked with foods to make the most out of its mild earthy and chocolaty taste.