In fact, because of its popularity, it has become a staple ingredient to so many dishes. Among the most sought-after types of mushrooms are called truffles mainly because it is rare and is so expensive compared to other types there are. Contrary to common conception, truffles the fungi type does not refer to the chocolate-covered truffles a confectionary that is loved by many. They are highly perishable, which is why it is important for truffles to be consumed immediately after harvesting. Often times, truffles are sold in containers filled with rice. This rice has definitely absorbed parts of the flavour and aroma of the fungi and could be used for cooking. Given this condition, they are often described as vegetable meat. 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. There are truffles like the black winter variety that is best bought during its peak season which is from February to March. Truffles have their own characteristics and colors which could change based on their age or maturity. For example, black truffles when still young would have red exterior color with the inside white instead of black. The sad news about truffles is that they are dwindling in quantity. Recently, only 25 to 150 tons of truffles are harvested every year. Many decades ago, harvest of truffles total to hundreds or even thousands. Why is that so? A truffle starts to grow only after about seven years, and the tree where a truffle grows can produce them for only 15 to 30 years. Don t cook truffles along with the other ingredients of your truffle recipe. Instead, you just add them after the main ingredients have been cooked. That way, you avoid ruining the truffles flavor. Enhance the flavor of your poultry meat by inserting thin slices of raw black truffles under the skin of uncooked chicken, duck, or turkey.