Black Truffle

Tuber melanosporum

Also known as: Périgord Truffle, Black Winter Truffle

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Edibility edible

Phylum Ascomycota

Family Tuberaceae

Conservation Climate-sensitive; production declining in traditional European regions due to climate change and habitat loss

Complete Taxonomy

Kingdom: Fungi

Phylum: Ascomycota

Class: Pezizomycetes

Order: Pezizales

Family: Tuberaceae

Genus: Tuber

Species: T. melanosporum

Description

Tuber melanosporum, the Périgord or black truffle, is one of the world's most expensive and prized culinary ingredients. These subterranean ascomycetes form ectomycorrhizal associations with oak and hazelnut trees. The fruiting body develops underground, producing powerful aromatic compounds that attract animals to disperse spores. Their rarity, complex cultivation requirements, and extraordinary aroma make them worth $1,000-4,000 per pound.

Physical Characteristics

Cap Shape: Globose to irregular tuber, completely underground

Cap Color: Black warty exterior; dark purple-black interior (gleba) with white marbling when mature

Size: 2-10 cm diameter, 30-300 grams

Gill Attachment: No gills; spores produced in internal chambers

Spore Print: Brown (spores produced internally)

Stipe: No stipe; grows underground

Habitat: Mycorrhizal with oak and hazelnut in calcareous soils

Fruiting Season: November to March (winter)

Distribution

Southern Europe, particularly France, Italy, and Spain; cultivated in suitable regions worldwide

Habitat

Forms ectomycorrhizal associations with oak (Quercus) and hazelnut (Corylus) in limestone-rich, well-drained soils. Requires specific soil pH (7.5-8.3), climate, and host tree conditions.

Ecological Role

Forms essential ectomycorrhizal partnerships with specific trees, facilitating nutrient and water exchange. Relies on animals attracted by aroma to disperse spores.

Medicinal & Nutritional Properties

Rich in antioxidants
Contains minerals including iron, calcium, and magnesium
Source of complete protein
May have anti-inflammatory compounds
Aromatic compounds may have aphrodisiac reputation (unproven)

Cultural Significance

Revered in haute cuisine for centuries. Center of significant economic activity in France, Italy, and Spain. Traditional truffle hunting with trained dogs or pigs. Subject of fraud and theft due to extreme value. Featured prominently in gourmet cooking globally.

Fascinating Facts

Can sell for $1,000-4,000 per pound ($2,200-8,800/kg)
Traditionally hunted with pigs, now mostly with trained dogs
Produces over 50 aromatic compounds creating its unique scent
Takes 5-10 years after planting trees before first truffle harvest
Climate change threatening traditional European production
Must be harvested at peak ripeness - timing is critical
Truffle fraud and imitation products are significant problems
Some producers use flies to detect underground truffles