Description

White truffles can be from 6 to 9 centimeters long, 4 to 6 centimeters wide and 2 to 5 centimeters tall. They mostly have a relatively irregular shape, similar to a potato, but somewhat more spherical specimens have also been found. There are no warts on the surface, which is usually a bit rough. Truffles mostly have a light brown color. When the truffle is cut, one can notice tiny formations in the mushroom flesh which look like small strings. It has a very specific smell which can remind one of garlic or moldy cheese.

Chemical reactions

There is no significant data.

Habitat

White truffles are a very rare species which grows only on certain places, usually 10 to 20 centimeters below ground, mostly in groups of several specimens. It can be found in oak and hornbeam forests. It grows in Italy, Croatia and in few other relatively small regions in Europe.

Season

This species grows primarily from January to June, although it can be found almost in any time of the year since it is stable and doesn't spoil for longer periods of time.

Edibility

Edible and of very high quality. One of the most praised mushrooms, which can be prepared in many different ways. It is enough to mention that one kilogram of this mushroom can be worth several thousand euros.

Similar species

It could eventually be confused with Tuber borchii or Tuber excavatum, which are of lower quality.