Those truffles that grow under the roots of oak trees are the most pungent, while those that grow in the roots of lime trees are the most aromatic. The flavours found on a truffle is complex, which is why they are best combined with bland food in order to draw out its flavour. They are highly perishable, which is why it is important for truffles to be consumed immediately after harvesting. They grow underground, which means they are not exposed to open air. Instead, they live near the roots of certain trees in the wild. And since they grow underneath the ground, they cannot disperse spores on their own through air. They rather depend on animals that feed on them to spread their spores. What makes truffle hunting all the more difficult is the fact that this mushroom variety grows underground. You can dig truffles from as deep as 15 inches from the ground. That is why you enlist the help of a trained dog or pig when scouring different sources of truffles in the wild. Your hunting buddy must have the ability to detect the pungent smell of truffles. The aroma is actually more overwhelming than the flavor of the truffles, so much so that it becomes the flavor itself. It s what your taste buds sense rather than the actual flavor, unless the truffle variety has a taste that resembles that of a garlic and other strong-flavored spices. Most truffles taste bland, and it s the smell that adds excitement to your dishes. 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. However, this truffle variety costs more than its superior counterpart. Or these can also be preserved, usually in light brine in cans and bottles that can be found in gourmet sections of supermarkets. Among the so many types, White Truffles are preferred by many. These are consumed fresh or they prefer shaved White Truffles on top of hot pasta with butter. Some even prefer it fresh in their salads.