Homonym: Truffle (Chocolate)
A truffle is a type of fungus that grows underground, typically in association with the roots of certain trees like oak and hazelnut. They are highly prized for their unique flavor and aroma, making them a sought-after ingredient in gourmet cooking. Truffles are often found using trained animals, such as dogs or pigs, which can detect their strong scent.
There are several varieties of truffles, with the most famous being the black truffle and the white truffle. These fungi are primarily harvested in regions like France, Italy, and Spain. Due to their rarity and the labor-intensive process of finding them, truffles can be quite expensive, sometimes costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars per pound.