Truffle mushrooms are a highly sought-after and luxurious ingredient, prized for their pungent and earthy aroma. These fungi grow underground near tree roots, primarily oak and hazelnut, and are typically found in France, Italy, and Spain. Truffles come in two main varieties: the white Alba truffle (Tuber magnatum) and the black Périgord truffle (Tuber melanosporum), with the former being the most expensive and rare.
In culinary applications, truffle mushrooms elevate the flavors in various dishes and are often used sparingly due to their strong taste and high price. Truffles can be grated, sliced, or infused into oils, salts, and butters to impart their unique flavor into soups, risottos, pastas, and other dishes. Fresh truffles have a short shelf life, and should be consumed within a week of being harvested, while preserved truffles and truffle products are more readily available year-round.