Truffles (or tuber in Latin) are a type of fungus of the family Tuberaceae. They grow underground at a depth of 1 to 30 cm; therefore, it is very difficult to find them without specially trained dogs.

The most valued sorts of truffles are the white truffle (Tuber magnatum) and the black truffle of (Tuber melanosporum).

Since the white truffles are of the highest quality, yet very rare, they also have the highest market value. The price of truffles also depends on type and size. Truffles have a very strong and specific smell, something like a combination of garlic and aged cheese. As mentioned earlier, the word ‘truffle’ derives from the Latin ‘tuber,’ which can be translated as ‘swelling,’ ‘bulge’ or ‘clod of earth’. Truffles grow in symbiosis with the roots of trees, such as beech, poplar, oak, birch, hornbeam, hazel, and pine. They are most likely to be found in clayey or calcareous soil that is well-drained, neutral or alkaline. While truffle lovers, gourmets, chefs and botanists categorize truffles into two main types, there are several subspecies.