Exclusively found in Perigord region in France before, other countries like United States, Spain, and Australia because of the high demand. Most chefs use the French Black Truffle because its blue-black colored exterior which is very refreshing in various dishes. Ripe or matured French Black Truffles with brown-black color are used in specialty dishes because it its earthy and pungent smell. The sad news about truffles is that they are dwindling in quantity. Recently, only 25 to 150 tons of truffles are harvested every year. Many decades ago, harvest of truffles total to hundreds or even thousands. Why is that so? A truffle starts to grow only after about seven years, and the tree where a truffle grows can produce them for only 15 to 30 years. Before you eat a mushroom you have unearthed somewhere, consult an expert first if it is indeed safe to eat. Here are some varieties of truffles which are very much popular: Oregon white truffle this truffle is firm and could even be brittle. It is white when still young and would develop an orange-brown color as it matures. The Health Benefits of Truffles And Fungi There is no question that truffles are definitely expensive, a pound would range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. There is no question of the flavour and aroma it could bring to your dishes. A small amount of truffles could bring out the taste superbly. Desert Truffles Also known as the lightning truffle, the desert truffle produces fruit right after rainfall on the desert. This truffle type can be found in the Middle East and northern Africa. 4. French Black Truffles or Perigord Truffles French black truffles are considered the best truffle variety, which is why it can cost as much as $1,000 per pound. Summer black truffle - This truffle type may seem inferior to its winter counterpart, but it is still a palatable and flexible culinary wonder, so does other types of truffles. Usually harvested from May to August, summer black truffle is entirely a different species from the winter variety. It has a dark brown exterior and round crooked shape.