This Rare Truffle Could Cost You Thousands

Even if you aren't overly familiar with truffles, you've likely sampled their unique flavor. These fungi grow at the bases of trees with large leaves like oak and hazelnut, according to Many of Many. They're mushrooms, only instead of sprouting little ant umbrellas above the ground, they grow beneath the dirt, garnering a flavor vastly different from a regular mushroom. Black truffles (Tuber melanosporum), for example, smell and taste earthy, Better Homes and Gardens reported. On the other hand, white truffles (Tuber mangnatum) are much stronger. Their distinct flavor is one reason truffles are so irresistible.

Truffles grow most prevalently in Italy but also can be found in other Mediterranean climates. Nurturing and harvesting them is no easy feat. They require significant time and work, and it can take years to achieve results. That's why a single pound of truffles can cost hundreds of dollars or more. Both white and black varieties are considered rare and expensive, per FoodBeast, which names them both on a list of the rarest foods in the world.

One particular variety of black truffle will set you back more than $1,000 for a pound, but experiencing its aroma may be worth every dime.

Earthy flavor and distinct aromas are two reasons why truffles are so popular now, according to Better Homes and Gardens. But, if you want to sample a taste of truffle flare, be prepared to shell out a hefty sum of dough. They're considered a rare food and can be quite expensive. Gourmet Food World reports that the Black Perigord Winter Truffle, in particular, will set you back considerably. One pound of this variety costs $1,358.64.

The Black Perigord Winter Truffle smells uniquely floral, per FoodBeast. They're grown during a precise timeframe between the dates of Nov. 15 and March 15. The truffles hit their full flavor potential at the peak of ripeness, IlTartufo Italian Truffles reported. If you get your hands on this rare shroom, there are a number of dishes that it can enhance. Many enjoy eating it shaved thinly over pasta or risotto. Be warned that truffles have a short shelf life and should be consumed ASAP once you have procured them, Many of Many warned.