Black truffles (Italian, French, and Chinese) - They complement red meat, dark meat poultry, red wine, sauces, wild mushrooms, apples, and soups. You can peel and slice thinly a fresh truffle or simmer it slowly. 3. Italian white truffles - They are best paired with eggs, white meat, risotto, and pasta. 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. Wondering what makes the truffle aroma so appealing to the senses? Their distinct ability to sense the strong smell of these mushrooms makes these animals a perfect fit for the hunting job. Where Can They be Found? Elusive as they may seem, truffle mushrooms are not a monopoly of one area. They are in fact located in almost any forest. As long as there are trees such as oak and hazelnut, you have a good chance of finding a truffle. When storing your truffles, wrap them individually in paper towel and place them in a sealed jar to ensure that its odor won t affect other foods in the fridge. Regardless of variety, truffles work best when paired with fat-rich foods such as cheese (Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano varieties), butter, cream, and foie gras. There are also some varieties that can be found in the United States including areas in Washington and Oregon as well as in Asia, particularly in China and the Middle East. Other varieties and truffle-like species also grow in North Africa. Truffles have risen to popularity because these are used in various gourmet restaurants to come up with dishes that use truffles as main or substitute ingredient. For those who can afford to consume large amounts of truffles, these can be served and eaten raw. 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.