Because of rarity, truffles are considered among the most expensive natural food products in the world. Studies show that there are very limited numbers places where truffles are cultivated and harvested. The most popular truffle-producing continent is the Europe wherein countries like France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Aside from the United States, Australia and New Zealand are also cultivating truffles. If you are planning to cultivate truffles, then there are several things that you would have to consider. 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. In Asia, some varieties are found in China as well as in Middle East while there are also some types native to North Africa. So far, truffles are used only in the culinary field as main ingredient to various dishes or as flavoring and garnishes to different specialties. The most common gourmet edible truffles that are being used in various restaurants include the French Black Truffles, the Italian White Truffles, the Chinese Truffles, and the Summer Truffles. Next to the White Truffle is called the Black truffle or the Black P rigord Truffle. This is also quite expensive because this variety can only be found in the P rigord region in France. It is also found in oak trees unlike other types that can be found in other types of trees. Black Truffles are hunted from late autumn to early winter. Use truffles sparingly. They re not like garlic or bell peppers that you can add to your dishes in generous amounts. 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. Contrary to common conception, truffles the fungi type does not refer to the chocolate-covered truffles a confectionary that is loved by many. In fact, connecting truffles to chocolate is one of the misconceptions about the mushroom because these two are not related at all. Truffles refer to a rare and edible mushroom.