What are truffles?

There are two entirely different answers to the question, “What are truffles?” One type of truffle is an edible fungi, and the other is a very rich type of candy, usually made entirely from chocolate.

The fungi truffle grows and develops under ground in close proximity to trees. There are many varieties of fungi truffles such as a black truffle, white truffle, summer truffle, and Chinese truffles. Many varieties are available, and each type is sought after by chefs and cooks all around the world. These, not very pretty, fungi resemble lumps of dirt, but are very expensive when purchased. The white truffle is the highest price and sells for over a thousand dollars per pound, while the other less expensive species cost from about 100 dollars per pound to several hundred. All varieties have a pungent earthy taste and are used sparingly by chefs due to their high cost. If the truffles are harvested in the open fields, the harvesters will sometimes use pigs or dogs to sniff them out.  As truffles are very popular and expensive, it's like a treasure hunt to harvest them.

The other type of truffle is concocted with a hard chocolate shell and a soft chiffon-like center, usually chocolate, too. Although, not considered as traditional as an all-chocolate truffle, the centers could be any type of filling ranging from caramel, marshmallow, fruit, nougat, or fruit flavored centers. The candies were called truffles as they are rounded in shape, and resemble the clod of dirt appearance of their counterparts, fungi truffles.

Today, fungi truffles are a rare and delicious treat mainly reserved for the rich and famous due to their excessive cost. Chocolate truffles can be enjoyed by both the wealthy and people of more modest means. These sweets are available at confectionery stores all over the world. Truffles are a treat for all people, whether they're fungi or chocolate.