Are truffles aphrodesiacs?
Truffles have been sought after for more than gustatory reasons. One myth dating back hundreds of years is that Truffles are an aphrodisiac. The only evidence that supports this speculation is that the odor of the truffle contains alpha-androstenol a chemical found on the breath of pigs. This chemical is suspected to be a pheromone, which attracts female pigs. Although this would explain sows natural talent for finding truffles, it is more likely attributed to another chemical also present in the fungus, dimethyl sulfide. Besides, Alpha-androstenol is also found in the underarm perspiration of men and in the urine of women. With that in mind maybe people will be more hesitant to believe the legend.
