The best black truffles undoubtedly come from France, where winter black truffles are more commonly called the Diamond of Perigord. This exquisite mushroom tuber melanosporum vitt grows in the Provence region of France from December to March. During this season the truffle markets are abundant of this delicious tuber, black with a dark marbled interior, characterized by an earthy and chocolaty flavor. The summer black truffle, tuber aestivum vitt or “truffe de la St. Jean” is found in France in the same fields where the winter variety grows, during the months of June to November. Less fragrant and flavorful than the winter truffle, it remains a good choice for culinary experimentation without the price tag.

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