Explainer | What are truffles, why are they so expensive, and are black or white the best? The pungent fungi are only found in a few lucky countries

Truffles grow in very specific conditions and they’re hard to come by, which makes them a pricey ingredient reserved for luxurious dishes and special occasions

In Ancient Greece and Rome, they were believed to have mythical healing properties; chefs recommend adding them to scrambled eggs, pizza or pasta

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Truffles only grow in very specific conditions and are hard to come by, making them an expensive ingredient to use. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 4:15am, 15 Mar 2022Updated: 5:28pm, 2 Jan 2024

You’ll be hard-pressed to find an ingredient that excites gastronomes like truffles. They are acclaimed as diamonds in the culinary world and just a few shavings gives a dish a luxurious upgrade.

But why are truffles considered such a prized culinary ingredient? What makes them so special? The most sought-after varieties can cost upwards of US$5,000 a pound. Are they really worth the huge price tag?

The world of truffles is one of environmental sustainability, rarity, scarcity and the always-changing taste of the eating public.

But the more you learn about truffles, the easier it is to appreciate them – even if their earthy, pungent flavour isn’t exactly your thing.

Pasta with black truffles and mozzarella. Photo: Shutterstock

What are truffles?

Truffles are edible fungi that grow underground among the roots of certain trees. It’s a complementary relationship in that truffle fungi help the tree absorb water and nutrients, and in return, the tree’s roots provide sugars needed for the fungi to thrive. So truffles are not just a luxury food, they’re vital to the ecosystems they inhabit.