Ripe or matured French Black Truffles with brown-black color are used in specialty dishes because it its earthy and pungent smell. - the Italian white truffle or Tuber magnatum which is commonly found in Piedmont in Italy. Next to the French Black Truffles, this type is preferred by many gourmet chefs because it has a distinctive peppery taste which is very ideal when served raw. Oregon Black Truffles Larger and less popular than Oregon white truffles, the Oregon blacks emit a strong earthy smell when they are mature. Their exterior and interior are both dark colored. They appear like rough lumps of coal with a texture of ground almonds and moist Parmesan. 8. Oregon Brown Truffles Cultivated in Douglas-fir forests, Oregon brown truffles have a gray meat and reddish brown outer covering. These types determine mainly their appearance, size, color, shape, texture and its price in the market. Among these types, the most expensive and rare type is the White Truffle. Also called, Alba Madonna, this truffle type is usually found in Italy, specifically in around the city of Alba and also available in Croatia. But let s focus on truffles as a mushroom. Aside from being expensive, what else do we know about them? Truffles are considered rare and a delicacy in some countries. Truffles are hypogeous mushrooms, meaning, they have to be dug out. But it is not the entire mushroom or fungi, the truffle is only the fruit. It has a musky odor and a sweet taste with a little garlic-like flavor. The summer variety is cheaper than the winter variety, so it allows for more culinary consumption and experimentation. 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. Since buying truffles is no light matter, in relation to budget, it is important to consider several things to ensure that you would be getting your money worth. Timing is essential in harvesting, marketing and buying truffles. There are truffles like the black winter variety that is best bought during its peak season which is from February to March.