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. Remember, these mushrooms already have strong smell and flavor, so a few slices or a little shavings will do. Eat them raw. Cooking truffles, especially the white varieties, is not a good idea because it only decreases the strong natural taste. Pair them with the right food. Although truffles can be mixed with any food, certain varieties best complement certain types of food. It is thought that the reason why truffle mushrooms grow belowground is to protect themselves from forest fires and during extreme temperatures during frosty periods. Truffles can be found in countries like France, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, some parts in the Middle East and North Africa. They can also be grown and found in United States, particularly in Oregon and Washington. 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. They usually sell oaks and hazelnut trees which are inoculated with Black Perigord or Black Burgundy truffle, or whatever variety will be grown. Black truffles are sold for about 1,000 per kilo when bought in the farmer's market. Its price could go double at 3,490 per kilo when bought from a retailer. Then there s the Chinese Truffles. This type is considered as winter black truffle which is usually cultivated and harvested in China. This can be considered as the most widely-distributed truffle type because it grows bountifully in most areas in China. 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.