The most important differentiation between truffles is between the black and white varieties, of course both very different types of truffle. After that a few other differentiations arise: there are winter and summer truffles, the former always being the stronger of the two, while the latter is more subtly but more accessibly priced. The other great difference is between the fresh and preserved truffle. The fresh, like the name implies, is freshly harvested during the season and sold as is, straight from the soil. Preserved, canned or jarred truffles are available year-round, and undergo several stages before arriving to the buyer. First and foremost, they are always brushed: an essential step is done by a special machine with rotating bristles which briskly brushes the truffles while jets of warm water get rid of any earth or soil, thus, truffles are ready to eat once they get to you. A note on categories: "Extra" is the highest quality truffle and a truffle in this category must have well-rounded form, and must be unblemished and smooth with no visible defects. "First Choice" truffles are whole and of great quality but present some visual faults or flaws that do not affect the quality or taste. And that is just the beginning…explore all the different truffle varieties below.