These types are commonly found in the U.S., specifically in the Pacific Northwest, for commercial and recreational uses. There s also the pecan truffle that can be found only in pecan trees and are usually discarded by farmers. So far, the only use of truffles is in the field of culinary or food. These are used ad main ingredients or as garnishes to various dishes. The summer variety is cheaper than the winter variety, so it allows for more culinary consumption and experimentation. Summer black truffle - This truffle type may seem inferior to its winter counterpart, but it is still a palatable and flexible culinary wonder, so does other types of truffles. Usually harvested from May to August, summer black truffle is entirely a different species from the winter variety. 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. Although, most truffles could be found in the wild, history showed that they were cultivated during 1800s in France. These are mostly in Europe including Italy, France, Slovenia and Croatia; in the United including Washington and Oregon; in Asia mostly in some parts of the Middle East and in North Africa. In these areas, truffles which usually grow about 30 centimeters or approximately one foot are found under the ground. Truffle products should be kept away from direct sunlight and should be consumed immediately to achieve best results. If it is difficult to search truffles and truffle products in your location, then the best option would be to check online sites. The Gourmet Food Store and Earthly Delights are two of reputable online sites where you could find gourmet mushrooms and truffle products. They can be harvested all year round, depending on the area and truffle species. How Are They Prepared for Cooking? Of course, you have to clean a truffle first before cooking it. Usually, it is washed with water and then brushed to get rid of soil deposits. Make sure that its covering is clean because you are not supposed to peel it.