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The Five Most Expensive Truffles Ever

Truffles are a delicacy and are rare, and America is intrigued by these amazing edibles. By definition, a  truffle is the fruiting body of a subterranean Ascomycete fungus. It is one of many species of the genus Tuber, and to be exact, they are a fungus known as ectomycorrhizal that are found in close association with tree roots.

Some of the species of truffles are a highly prized food that gourmet chefs use to create delicacies. The countries that hold these truffles in such high regard, include Georgia, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Bulgaria, as well as the Middle East.

Some truffles made by the most extraordinary chefs, are so extravagant that they are sold for extraordinary amounts of money. They are one of, if not, the most expensive deserts available and you won't believe what some people have paid to have one of these truffles.

If you have ever wondered what some people have paid for one of these rare delicacies then keep reading to learn about the five most expensive truffles ever.

5. Largest Truffle - $61,000

The largest truffle in the world, sold for $61,000 at Sotheby's auction in New York. It weighed a whopping 4.16 lbs and is said to be the largest in the world. It was discovered in Italy, where they are grown, and was purchased by a buyer from Taiwan who made the bid by phone.

The rare delicacy only grows from October to December each year, and they are detected by specially trained dogs to seek them out. Truffles vary in size and they are valued on their size and their aroma. This particular truffle has been ranked as one of the most expensive truffles ever sold.

4. Alba White Truffle - $120,000

It was at an auction at the Union League of Philadelphia that the Alba White Truffle found a home. The shelf-life of a truffle is about 7 days and bidders of this truffle, who were primarily world-renowned chefs and restaurateurs, knew that if they won this beautiful display of a truffle, that they would have to plan their menus to use it, quickly.

The flavor of this truffle is described as a combination of garlic, cabbage and musk, and this is a truffle that is best eaten raw as opposed to cooked, like with the black truffle. It is why this truffle is better used over freshly cooked pasta or in combination with filet mignon or lobster.

This particular truffle was purchased with the winning bid of about $120,000 by Dong Zhenxiang, chef-owner of the top-rated Da Dong Roast Duck in Beijing, China.

3. Italian White Truffle - $200,000

An Italian White truffle that weighed 2.2 pounds, sold in an international auction to the Hong Kong-born casino owner and mogul, Stanley Ho. The auction took place, simultaneously in London, Rome, Macau, and Abu Dubai, and the bidders laid out their best bets for the 1.08kg truffle, the largest one found that year in Italy.

White truffles are grown naturally and not cultivated and are highly sought after due to their flavor rand aroma, which many Italian chefs love to use in their dishes.

This particular truffle was found near the Molise region and was flown from Italy to Macau, accompanied by a top-rated Italian chef. This particular truffle sold for $200,000, after all the bidders had laid out their best offers.

2. 3.3 Pound Truffle from Tuscany - $330,000

Another one of the most expensive truffles from Italy was purchased at an auction and it weighed 3.3 lbs. It was described as looking odd and more like the brain of a man, rather than the typical, rounder appearance a truffle usually has.

But the chef that held the truffle and commented on the species, said that it was very nice. It is considered one of the largest truffles ever found. The proceeds from that auction went to several different charities and the chef pictured, holding the truffle, made several Italian dishes for the bidders during the auction, using white truffle, just not this one.

This truffle sold for an incredible, $330,000.

1. 2.86 Pound Truffle in Croatia - $330,000

Another very large truffle, that actually has been ranked as the most expensive, for the fact that it is less weight, and sold for the same price as the above truffle, at $330,000 was found in Croatia and auctioned in 1999.

Truffles typically weigh anywhere from 1 to 2.8 ounces, so the enormous sized truffles are something to be reveled in. Famous chefs will gather from all over the world to participate in these high-end auctions, whether they are there to just get a glimpse of history, or are serious bidders.

This was a truffle to be remembered and is considered the most expensive ever.

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Maria McCutchen

Written by Maria McCutchen

Maria McCutchen is an author and freelance writer living in Chattanooga, TN. She is the published author of her memoir, “It’s all in Your Head,” and a children’s book. She has been writing for over 15 years; writing articles, whitepapers, product write-ups and more for multiple online media sites, blogs, company websites and individuals. She is also an advocate for brain malformations, including Chiari Malformation, and works closely with the non-profit organization, The Chiari Project, writing for their quarterly newsletters.

Read more posts by Maria McCutchen

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