Can Black Truffles Be Grown in the Backyard?
Truffles, considered to be a delicacy, are a rare type of fungus found near the roots of certain trees. Used in high-end cuisines, truffles and truffle oil are prized by chefs worldwide. Because truffles are so rare to find and difficult to grow, they are extremely expensive. Black truffles are primarily grown in France and are used in cooking. There are three types of black truffles: black winter truffle, black summer truffle, and the Chinese truffle. The black winter truffle, or Tuber melanosporum, is round with grayish black skin and white veins. Often called the “Black Diamond of Provence, ” the black winter truffle is extremely prized. This variety grows best in conditions found in the Mediterranean. France is the largest producer of black winter truffles, followed by Spain and Italy. Its growing season is December through March. The black summer truffle, or Tuber aestivum, is similar in appearance to the black winter truffle only it is larger and has a tougher skin. This is the l
