What Makes Truffles So Expensive?

You may have wondered what makes truffles so expensive due to how much of a big deal is made of these special types of fungus. First of all, what are they? Truffles are a special kind of fungus that grows at the roots of certain trees. They are part of the tuber family of plants. In fact, the word truffle actually means tuber. Truffles differ from mushrooms in that while mushrooms grow above ground, truffles grow underground. The most popular kind of truffles grow wild and are not cultivated.  The suppliers of these require the assistance of people using trained dogs or pigs. This sets the stage for easily fluctuating supplies and prices.  The quantity of truffles gathered is usually far less than the demand, which contributes to the high price.

Though there are thousands of species of truffles, the most popular are white truffles, black winter truffles, and black summer truffles. The flavor of black winter truffles is complex and possesses a powerful aroma. Summer black truffles are less intense. Though both look similar, the summer truffles also have a delicate flavor that is accompanied by an earthy, nutty aroma. The flavor of white truffles is quite different with garlic and shallot notes, which deepen their uniquely earthy flavor.

Ultimately, the conditions of their natural self-propagation are what make truffles so expensive. Though many types have come to be cultivated in many countries around the world, these attempts have still left something to be desired. In nature, new truffles emerge from the droppings of animals that eat them.  Since the cultivation of high-quality truffles can take up to 10 years, another factor contributing to their high cost, farmed truffles are hardly able to mitigate the expensiveness of the highly popular, wild variety.

Fruit of Wind and Sea

Lo premium truffle sea salt is infused with carefully selected Italian black truffles. These are then blended with solar-evaporated sea salt from the salt fields of Docho, South Korea, a designated UNESCO Bio-Conservation Area.  A five-year ripening process delivers optimal mineral balance with a slightly sweet aftertaste and very low salinity.  The all-natural flavor of Lo premium truffle sea salt provides dynamic, rich flavor that can enhance any dish. Lo premium truffle salt comes specially packaged in nitrogen-sealed, individual stick pouches, which preserve black truffle aroma and flavor freshness by preventing oxidation.