Here are some helpful tips on buying and storing truffles. Buying Truffle Ask the vendor or sales clerk to make a small slice out of the truffle so that you can view its meat and judge if it is in good condition. Choose truffles that have been cleaned. A truffle s dirt or cleanliness has nothing to do with its freshness, smell, and flavor. Compared to the winter white truffle, the black variety has a subtler taste that lasts longer. Summer white truffle - Even if it has a milder aroma than its winter counterpart, the summer white truffle still has the pungent smell that is a trademark of white truffles. It is exactly the same species of truffles as the winter type, except that it is harvested in summer from January through April. Exclusively found in Perigord region in France before, other countries like United States, Spain, and Australia because of the high demand. Most chefs use the French Black Truffle because its blue-black colored exterior which is very refreshing in various dishes. Ripe or matured French Black Truffles with brown-black color are used in specialty dishes because it its earthy and pungent smell. However, the First World War caused serious damage on the truffle cultivation. Aside from the United States, Australia and New Zealand are also cultivating truffles. If you are planning to cultivate truffles, then there are several things that you would have to consider. Host plants - There are truffle businesses, like the Garland, that do not only buy gourmet mushrooms and truffles, but they also sell inoculated trees to serve as host plants or trees for the mushrooms. Health Benefits Of Truffles Although truffles are very expensive, there are more reasons to eat it aside from the fact that it is very exciting to eat a delicacy. One of these reasons is you are eating truffles because these may bring you health benefits. Through the years, contentions have been hounding the health benefits and nutritional value of truffles and mushrooms, in general. Some truffle hunters use a staff to make the pig back off once it finds a truffle. 3. Know that laws the govern truffle collection in your area You can t just head over to the forest and go on with your truffle collection adventure without knowing first if it is allowed in your area. For example, truffle hunters have to take a test and get license first before they can collect truffles.