The truffle is a fruit of the earth known sinchew the ancient times. It is found mentioned in the Sumerian diet and in the time of Giacobbe around 1700-1600 a.C. The first certain information appears in Plinio the Elder’s Naturalis Historia. In the 1st century AD, Plutarco of Chaeronea suggested that the truffle was born from the combined action of water, heat and lightning, inspiring various poets such as Giovenale. Giovenale believed that the truffle, known as "tuber terrae", was formed by a bolt of lightning thrown by Jupiter near an oak, a tree sacred to the god. Due to the legend of Jupiter as a figure with strong sexual activity, the truffle was attributed aphrodisiac properties. Already at the time, the truffle was highly appreciated in noble and clerical canteens.
Its aroma was considered a sort of "fifth essence" which would have caused an ecstatic effect on humans according to some scientists of the time. The term "tartufo" spread to Italy in the seventeenth century, while in the common language it was already present with various variants in other European countries such as "truffe" in France, "truffel" in Germany and "truffle" in England.
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The truffle is an underground mushroom, it grows underground and is highly sought after. It has an external covering called "peridium" and an internal pulp "gleba", visible when cut due to its light and dark veins. Not being able to carry out photosynthesis, it obtains organic substances from the roots of plants with which it forms a symbiotic relationship. This symbiotic relationship is beneficial for both the plant and the fungus: the plant supplies the truffle with sugars, while the truffle returns water and minerals to the plant. The characteristics of the truffle, such as color, flavour and scent, depend on the type of tree near which it grows.
Composed mainly of water, it also contains fats, proteins, minerals and organic substances, making it nutritious but due to the high water content and some indigestible molecules, its nutritional value is less relevant. However, it can be consumed without contraindications at all ages.