Truffles are the world's most prized foodstuff when measured by price per weight. Italy exports an average of about 70 tons of truffles per year (of all varieties) and is undoubtedly the world's largest producer.
Indeed, the Earth's most hidden fruit, rare and unobtainable, grows wild right here on our peninsula. The most sought-after variety is the Alba White Truffle, the most prized and expensive of all. Its price hovers around €2000 per kilo, but it often sells for much higher prices.
The "Tartufo Bianchetto" variety sells for around €400 per kg. White truffles are more prized than black ones, but there are also "dark" varieties with a high market value. Black truffles sell for between €200 and €500 per kg.
Truffles, of any type, are extremely difficult to find. Hunting for this prized Italian product is by no means a simple or improvised activity. The hunter must have a special license, obtained after passing the relevant exam.
Obviously, the truffles aren't visible because they're buried; the search is done with the help of a dog, known as a "truffle dog." The best breed for this type of activity is the Lagotto Romagnolo.
It will also be difficult to find the area where this precious "mushroom" grows. Professional prospectors will never reveal the areas where they search, but they jealously guard this secret.
The difficulty in finding truffles and their rarity justify their exorbitant selling price.
Truffles are highly sought after by chefs, especially Michelin-starred ones, who are willing to pay enormous sums for even just a few grams. Truffles can enhance the flavor of any dish, making it more refined and much tastier.
The varieties of truffle are:
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