Before the use of dogs in hunting truffles, people have been using female pigs or sows for this purpose. 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. 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. 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. The flavours found on a truffle is complex, which is why they are best combined with bland food in order to draw out its flavour. 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. Such an appeal may seem strange especially to those who have never seen a truffle in their entire life. 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. Brush truffles with soft brush to eliminate soil deposits and then cover each truffle with dry paper towel to seal their natural flavor. Place the wrapped truffles in an airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator. Don t store them in room temperature. Truffles with pungent flavor such as winter varieties can be stored in whole eggs or uncooked rice that can absorb excess flavor.