Strike It Rich! Your Guide To Finding Truffle Mushrooms

Truffles are rare and edible fungi that grow underground in forests and wooded areas. They are highly desired in the culinary world for their unique flavor and are used in many different dishes. However, truffles are difficult to find and even more difficult to grow, many chefs will pay quite the price for them!

Although, they can be quite easy to find if you know where to look. That's what this guide is here for, to know how to find and harvest truffles!

Truffles Image via Canva

Where to look:

Truffles are native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. You'll have better chances finding truffles in western Europe or the Pacific Northwest. More specifically, forests located in Italy, France, Oregon, and Washington.

Truffles are typically found in areas with a lot of moisture, such as near streams or ponds. They need moist conditions to grow, so they are often found in areas that receive a lot of rainfall.

(For best results, search about a week after a heavy rainfall has taken place.)

What to look for:

Ultimately, you want to search near beech, fir, and oak trees. These trees form special relationships with fungi and must be present in order for truffles to grow. The truffles attach to the roots at the bases of these trees.

To ensure you don't waste time digging around every tree that could possibly have truffles, look carefully at the ground for signs of fungus. If truffles are present, a "browning" effect called "brûlée" will make the ground look burnt, rough, and darker than the surrounding areas.

How to harvest:

Once you've found a truffle, it should be harvested with a shovel or a trowel. Be careful not to damage the truffle when digging it up. Brush it off gently with a soft brush. Truffles are delicate and can easily be damaged, so be sure not to bruise them!

If you're having trouble finding truffles on your own, you can also try using a truffle dog! Truffle dogs are specially trained dogs that have a keen sense of smell and can easily find truffles that are buried underground.

Types of truffle:

There are many different types of truffles, including black and white truffles. Black truffles are the most common and have a strong, earthy flavor. White truffles are rare and carry a more delicate flavor.

Black truffles can be about $100 per pound and white truffles costing even more!

There are cheaper varieties of truffles that cost around $30 per pound.

Truffles can be used in many creative dishes and they come in a variety of flavors. From earthy black truffles to delicate white truffles, there's a truffle for any dish!