Cooking truffles is a big no-no, as it ruins the truffles natural flavor. Exceptions are foie gras and p t s. Instead, you slice or shave them over risotto, soups, sauces, pasta, and even plain scrambled eggs. Transform your bland dishes into flavorful and appetizing ones! There is a wide variety of truffle recipes that you can experiment at your own kitchen. In the past, female pigs are used in Europe to look for truffles. It is because that these mushroom finds is said to mimic the scent of a male pig sex hormone. Currently, there are dogs which undergo training for truffle hunting. The season for truffle hunting usually lasts from fall to spring. Looking for truffles would require patience, since it is possible that all you may find would be clogs of dirt. Only these are found underground and don t form a prominent stem like other mushroom types. When it comes to its appearance, truffles can be compared to small potatoes. Because of rarity, truffles are considered among the most expensive natural food products in the world. Studies show that there are very limited numbers places where truffles are cultivated and harvested. Yes, truffles have been used for centuries not only as a delicacy or natural medicine. Their alluring aroma stirs a sensual feeling, so it s little wonder that truffles are regarded as the culinary counterpart of sex. That strong and earthy truffle smell casts its magic spell, making this mushroom irresistible to truffle fans. The time to look and gather truffles is very intensive. Truffles are also low in abundance. Nowadays, in an attempt to meet the demand for truffles, there are some Americans who are growing black truffles commercially. An example would be a truffle company in North Carolina, the Garland s Gourmet Mushrooms and Truffles who have been in the truffle business since 1990s. Chinese truffles have recently become a staple in a number of restaurants in the United States. 2. Italian White Truffles or Piedmont Truffles Found in the mountains of southern Yugoslavia and central and northern Italy, Piedmont truffles grow near beech, hazelnut, oak, and poplar trees. Truffle enthusiasts regard Italian white truffles as the best truffle mushrooms next to the Perigord.