The History of Black Truffles: From Ancient Delicacy to Modern Luxury

Black truffles are revered as some of the best truffles in the world…but it wasn’t always this way. With a varied and often dark history, black truffles have gone through a lot to get to where they are today!

Whether you want to try some black truffles or are trying to decide between different types of truffles, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about black truffles. 

What Are Black Truffles?

Black truffles are listed under many names, and you might often see them called ‘Périgord truffles’ or even ‘French black truffles,’ but their scientific name is Tuber melanosporum.

Black truffles are an edible fungi known for their unique umami taste. Black truffles carry a dark color both inside and out, which is where they get their common name. They are delicious, and quite rare, only growing naturally in the southern regions of Europe. As such, they are extremely desirable and often carry high price tags. 

Black truffles come in a variety of sizes, with the largest recorded one being 4 inches in diameter and weighing an impressive 2.8 pounds. 

There is also another variety of black truffle, the black burgundy truffle. These truffles are often cheaper than the black truffles we are discussing in this article and are an excellent cost-effective alternative to the typical black truffle. 

Where Do Black Truffles Come From?

Black truffles grow almost exclusively in the southern portion of Europe and are most commonly found in Spain, France, Italy, and Croatia. They grow in the ground, about 2 inches below the surface near the base of trees. It is possible, but difficult, to cultivate truffles in other locations. There are a few truffle farms in Northern California and Chile, though they haven’t reached the same level of prestige as their European counterparts.

Truffles are parasites, and thus, they will hinder the growth of nearby plants. This parasitic behavior creates a dark spot on the plants and trees attempting to grow near the truffle. Although this may sound bad, they are so small it is rare that more than a few nearby plants are affected.

Even though they leave a dark spot, it can be nearly impossible for humans to know what trees will yield truffles, which has led to the use of animal labor to find them. Both dogs and pigs are apt truffle hunters, though dogs are more often used as they are easier to train and much less likely to consume the truffles they find. 

The History of Black Truffles

Black truffles have been consumed since ancient times, with their first recorded mention in 1500 BC by the Greeks, though Egyptian pharaohs and the Sumerians also enjoyed the fungus. 

While they were initially a delicacy, a lower world population and the initial abundance of this fungus led to them becoming a more common food for several hundred years (though they were never what we would call “popular”), but then they became rarer once more and were catapulted into luxury status. 

Around the time of Louis XVIII's reign, black truffles were once again considered a delicacy, with only notable individuals able to afford to consume them. Black truffles were known to be a favorite cuisine of Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Truffles became so famous that they were featured at world expositions starting in 1855, and ever since, they have been considered a delicacy around the world. 

Are Black Truffles Healthy?

Black truffles are healthy and carry many medicinal properties, which is one of the reasons they continue to be so desired around the world. While the exact medicinal benefits will vary, black truffles are part of a healthy diet.

Black truffles contain the following health benefits:

• Truffles are rich in fatty acids, Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.

• They are a complete source of protein.

• Truffles are high in antioxidants.

• Truffles have antibacterial properties, which can be used to fight internal bacteria growth.

• They contain anti-cancer properties.

• Truffles can reduce inflammation.

While there are still more studies that need to be carried out on truffles, they are definitely good for you, meaning there is all the more reason to add them to your diet!

Why Are Black Truffles So Expensive?

As we mentioned above, black truffles are a bit complicated to find, even when they are cultivated. This means that a lot of labor goes into growing just a few truffles. If that weren’t enough, they also need a specific environment in which to grow, meaning you can’t just start your own truffle farm in your backyard.

Besides being difficult to grow, truffles are high in demand. Any time there is a deficit between the desire for a product and its ability to be cultivated, this creates a scarcity and sends the price shooting to the sky.

That being said, it is possible to find black truffles that are less expensive when you shop in season. When you buy truffles out of season, you can often pay double what you would when they are in season. 

Where to Buy Black Truffles

Truffles are high in demand, and you are unlikely to find them at your local grocer. Instead, you will need to head to a specialty grocer like Kolikof Caviar and Gourmet.

At Kolikof’s, we feature a wide range of premium products to keep your pantry stocked with everything from caviar to truffles. No matter what type of truffles you are searching for, Kolikof’s is your one stop shop for all things gourmet.

Even better is the fact that Kolikof’s ships right to your door in just a few days. Be sure to also grab a truffle slicer or truffle shaver so you can start enjoying your black truffles right when they arrive. 

Other Black Truffle Products

If you can’t afford a full black truffle, don’t fret—there are many truffle products at a lower cost. We recommend trying black truffle oil or black truffle sauce instead. These can be lower-cost ways to add truffles to your diet!