Smooth black truffle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smooth black truffle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tuber
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| Species: |
macrosporum
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The smooth black truffle (scientific name: Tuber macrosporum) is a special type of edible truffle. Truffles are a kind of fungus that grows underground. This truffle belongs to the family Tuberaceae.
It is found in Europe, especially in central Italy where it is quite common. An Italian scientist named Carlo Vittadini, who studied fungi (a mycologist), first officially described this truffle in 1831.
Contents
What Does the Smooth Black Truffle Look Like?
Size and Shape
Smooth black truffles are usually round or have an uneven shape. They are typically small, about 0.5 to 2 centimeters (0.2 to 0.8 inches) wide. Sometimes, but not often, they can grow larger than 5 centimeters (2 inches).
Color and Texture
The outside of the truffle can be reddish-brown, rust-colored, or even blackish. It has small bumps, called warts, on its surface. These warts are low, which makes the truffle feel fairly smooth.
Inside the Truffle
If you cut open a smooth black truffle, you will see its inside part, called the flesh. This flesh is purplish-brown to grey-brown. It has thin white lines, like veins, running through it.
What Does It Smell Like?
The smooth black truffle has a very strong smell. It smells a lot like garlic. Its scent is similar to another famous truffle, the Italian white truffle (Tuber magnatum).
Where Does It Grow?
Smooth black truffles grow underground near the roots of certain trees. These trees are called "host plants." Some of the trees that Tuber macrosporum likes to grow with include:
