TRUFFLE (OF. trufle, trufe, truffe, Fr. truffe, truffle, perhaps from Lat. tubera, neu. pl., but taken as fem. sg. of tuber, swelling, tumor, tuber), Tuber. A genus of ascomycetous fungi of the order Tuherales ; globose, or nearly so, of a fleshy substance, with a distinct skin, the whole substance pervaded by a network of serpentine threads (hymcnium) which bear the spore-cases in minute cavities. The species, which are not numerous, are very generally diffused in tem perate parts of the world; they are subterranean, found frequently in groups of 10 to 20 in dividuals a foot or more below the surface soil. Some of then) are among the most highly valued of esculent fungi. The common truffle (Tuber cibarium) is black, and has a roughened surface. Its size varies from that of a large plum to a large potato On account of its agreeable flavor, it is used in the preparation of many dishes. It is common in the central and southern parts of Europe, chiefly in loose soils, in woods and pastures, as in the pine, oak, and chestnut woods of France and Italy. Other
species, as Tuber testirum, Tuber rubum, and Tuber melanosporum, are found in some parts of France, Italy, and other coun tries of Europe, and are sought and used in the same manner as the common truffle. Dogs and pigs are trained to seek them, and readily dis cover by the scent the spot where they grow under ground. The stirring of the soil in the gathering of truffles seems to increase productiveness. White truffles ( Terjczin leonis), a species of a nearly allied genus, which has also been found in many places. grows half above ground, is pinkish, and is generally as large _as a walnut. It is less aromatic than the common truffle, 1)111, is used in the same way. As yet edible species are little known in the United States.