They are used to hunt for truffles since this emits pungent smell that sows mistake for a male pig. Although pigs are proven quite effective in hunting for truffles, there is one disadvantage. Once they find the truffles, they would eat it right away and the hunter could no longer stop them. Because of the nature of female pigs, trufficulteurs has decided to use dogs instead because they do not consume the pricey delicacy once these are located. Or even to those who think truffle smells like a combination of weird stuff or that of what a male pig gives off to sexually attract female pigs. Okay, that might make you cringe. But then, the fact that truffles elicit a sensual feeling cannot be dismissed outright. The incredible aphrodisiac powers of truffles have been felt not only by the ancient Greeks and the Romans, but also by modern-day gourmet chefs and connoisseurs. The Basics Of Cooking Truffles Aside from the fact that truffles are rare, intensive and slow to harvest, truffles also provide a delicate and earthly flavour which makes it a jewel in the culinary world. And a jewel comes with a price. A pound usually costs from hundreds or thousands of dollars. But the culinary experience and delight that one gets from them is truly worth it. In other dishes, other types such as Black Truffles are used as garnishes to various meat dishes as well as to chicken. Chefs usually use thinly-sliced truffles and insert these into beef slices, under the skins of roasted chicken, in preparing foie gras and in p t s as well as stuffings. Others use truffles in various types of sauces to make the dish tastier. There are also other types of Chinese Truffles including the tuber melanosporum which are usually made into truffle extracts and is sold at a high price; the tuber himalayensis which looks very similar to the tuber melanosporum an is only harvested in the Chinese Himalayas; the tuber sinensis, which are also found in high places and the Chinese summer white truffle. Instead, truffle mushrooms look like wrinkled potato or coal. Their sizes vary from that of a marble, golf ball, or a human fist. They also come in different colors, most of which are black, brown, and white. Are They Poisonous? Practically all truffle mushrooms are safe to eat, though only a few varieties are used as delicacies.