Mushroom lovers would not want to pass up the opportunity to eat the rarest and most expensive type of mushroom in the world: truffles. Research shows that truffles are listed among the top 10 most expensive natural foods internationally, selling for a whopping US$150,000 and up per pound.

Truffles are basically mushrooms. Only these are found underground and do not form a marked stem like other types of fungi. When it comes to their appearance, truffles can be compared to small white potatoes.

Due to their rarity, truffles are considered among the most expensive natural foods internationally. Research shows that there are a very limited number of places where truffles are grown and harvested. The most popular truffle producing continent is Europe, where countries like France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

There are also some varieties that can be found in the United States, including areas in Washington and Oregon, as well as in Asia, especially China and the Middle East. Other varieties and species similar to truffles also grow in North Africa.

Truffles have gained popularity because they are used in various gourmet restaurants to develop dishes that use truffles as a main or substitute ingredient. These are some of the most frequent truffle charms that are being used in gourmet dishes:

– the Oregon white truffle or Tuber oregonense and T. gibbosum which are found in the Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia to Northern California and usually grow from February to June.

– the Oregon brown truffle or Leucangium brunneum which has a reddish-brown exterior along with a grayish mottled interior. It is used in dishes and specialties that require garlic flavor and aroma.

– the black truffle from Oregon or the Leucangium carthusianum. Formerly called Picoa carthusiana, this type of truffle is less common compared to Oregon white truffles. These are not used regularly because they look like charcoal, with a darkened appearance. It also has a very pungent and earthy smell once it is ripe. When used, this truffle charm is mixed into dishes with pineapple, ground almonds, Parmesan, and chocolate as ingredients.

– the French black truffle or Tuber melanosporum. This is considered as one of the most expensive types, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per pound. Exclusively found in the Perigord region of France before, various countries such as the US, Spain and Australia due to high demand. Most chefs use the French black truffle because of its bluish-black exterior that is very refreshing in various dishes. Ripe or grown French black truffles with a blackish-brown color are used in specialty dishes due to their earthy, pungent odor.

– the Italian white truffle or Tuber magnatum normally found in Piedmont in Italy. Alongside French black truffles, this type is favored by many gourmet chefs as it has a distinctive peppery flavor that is ideal when served raw.

– the Burgundy or Summer truffle. Also called Tuber aestivum or Tuber uncinatum, this type originates from France, Italy, and Spain. Out of necessity, summer truffles are also grown in Sweden and New Zealand. More and more gourmet restaurants prefer to use summer truffles in their dishes due to their light aroma compared to other types.