Two new species of truffle have been found by curious dogs in North America.
Michigan State University (MSU) and University of Florida say the new Tuber canirevelatum Tuber cumberlandense truffles are an “exciting find”.
They identified the new truffles after dog owners sent them for testing.
“Receiving these samples was very exciting, especially because they looked very similar to the well-known edible European truffles Tuber macrosporumand and Tuber aestivum,” researcher Alassane Sow said.
“We hope that by describing both of these species there will be increased interest in cultivating North American truffles. Our analyses show that each has aromatic compounds found in some of the most valuable truffle species.”
Due to their rarity, truffles are expensive and highly prized in the culinary world. In international markets, fresh truffles are sold for hundreds and thousands of dollars per kilogram.
The T. cumberlandense has previously been harvested in truffle orchards and woodlands and sold under various names but the analysis showed the latest find was a distinct and previously undescribed species native to North America.
The full report is on the MSU website.
