Features: The black winter truffle has brown-black outer skin with dark flesh and white veins that darken with age. The black winter truffle is one of the most widely known and expensive truffles. They generally grow as large as 4 inches but have been known to be as large as several pounds—the largest recorded black winter truffle weighed 2.82 pounds.

Species: Tuber Melanosporum

Origin: France, Spain

Flavor Profile: Its aroma is extremely earthy with hints of fruit and cocoa. The taste fully develops during the cooking process. This variety of truffle has pepper and bitter notes.

Spec: The black winter is much more pungent and flavorful raffle than other varieties and can be used to flavor many dishes. Its flavor develops while cooking and adds a unique depth and richness to sauces.

Season: Late fall to mid-winter, roughly end of November to late February.

Purchasing Options: Sold by pieces, weighed by the pound.