KUNMING (XINHUA) – A giant black truffle weighing 1.71 kilogrammes (kg) has been unearthed in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, setting a new record for the heaviest black truffle ever found in the province, which is known as the “kingdom of wild mushrooms”.
The truffle’s weight far exceeds the typical range for black truffles, which usually weigh between 10 grammes (g) and 200g, and surpasses the previous record of 1.25kg in the province.
The rare find has a dark brown to black hue, irregular spherical shape, and dimensions measuring 16 centimetres (cm) in length, 16.6cm in width and 14cm in height.
“This black truffle was buried about 10cm underground with no visible signs on the surface,” said Wu Min, a resident of the city of Anning, who discovered the record truffle.
According to an expert, the truffle is expected to sell for around USD2,782.60.
Black truffles, often called the “black diamonds” of the culinary world, are among the most expensive edible fungi due to their rarity and distinctive aroma. They require highly specific conditions to grow, including a particular climate, type of soil and the presence of certain tree species.
Thanks to its unique natural environment, Yunnan is China’s primary producer of black truffles. Truffles are prized in high-end dining markets worldwide for their exceptional quality and flavour.
