Truffle is a type of fungus used as food and as a flavoring. Truffles grow underground on or near the roots of oak, hazel, and other trees. They are round or potato-shaped and range from 1/4 to 4 inches (0.6 to 10 centimeters) in diameter. Truffles have a firm interior and a smooth to warty exterior. They may be black, brown, white, or other colors. Truffles grow wild throughout the world. The best-known cultivated varieties are from southern Europe. The highly prized Perigord truffle is grown in France, Spain, and Italy. The white Piedmont truffle, from Italy, is also excellent. Truffles produce odors that are easily sensed by animals, so dogs and pigs are used to locate them for harvest. Truffles are among the most expensive edible fungi.
