Exciting Discovery of New Truffle Species

In an exciting venture combining science, nature, and the extraordinary abilities of dogs, researchers and citizen scientists have unveiled the discovery of two new species of truffles. These rare fungi, highly sought after in culinary circles, were identified with the help of specially trained "truffle dogs."

Meet Tuber canirevelatum

The first species, Tuber canirevelatum, aptly named the "dog-found" truffle, pays homage to the vital role played by canine companions in truffle hunting. Monza, the dog who made the discovery alongside her trainer Lois Martin, stands as a testament to the synergy between humans and dogs in uncovering nature's hidden treasures.

Introducing Tuber cumberlandense

The second species, Tuber cumberlandense, takes its name from the Cumberland Plateau, a region that continues to prove rich in biodiversity. Margaret Townsend and her truffle dog, Luca, were the ones who discovered this particular truffle.

Scientific Analysis and Discovery

The unique look and unfamiliar smell of T. canirevelatum prompted Martin to send samples to the lab of Gregory Bonito, an associate professor at Michigan State University. With the help of his undergraduate student, Alassane Sow, Bonito conducted DNA analyses that revealed these truffles belong to a previously undiscovered lineage.

Potential Economic Impact

Bonito expressed the excitement surrounding the discovery, noting, "Both species presented similarities to renowned edible European truffles such as Tuber macrosporum and Tuber aestivum." The hope is that by identifying these truffles, interest in cultivating North American varieties will grow. "These species contain aromatic compounds found in some of the most valuable truffles," Sow added, hinting at their potential economic significance. Indeed, the world of truffles is lucrative, with prices soaring up to thousands of dollars per kilogram in international markets.

Truffle Cultivation and Distillery Involvement

Interestingly, T. cumberlandense has already made a name for itself in truffle orchards and wildlands, often sold under various aliases. Still, Bonito's analysis confirmed it as a distinct North American species. In Kentucky, efforts are underway by Maker's Mark, a well-known distillery, to cultivate this native truffle. "This species forms a symbiotic relationship with white oaks, from which it derives sustenance," Bonito elaborated. The distillery aims to reforest its land with white oaks and perhaps one day produce truffle-infused whiskey—a tantalizing prospect for both truffle and whiskey enthusiasts.

Shifting Focus in Truffle Cultivation

Historically, the focus has been on European truffle cultivation, but a shift is underway, with increasing interest in North American varieties. As more individuals embark on truffle growing ventures, the need for trained truffle dogs is expanding. Bonito emphasized the financial stakes, stating, "If you have $20,000 worth of truffles underground, you need to retrieve them before they decay."

Continued Research and Exploration

Alongside Matthew Smith from the University of Florida, Bonito has been surveying and documenting North American truffles for over a decade. With NSF funding in 2020, they are diving deeper into the evolution of truffles and their relatives.

Mysterious Nature of Truffles

"Truffles are perhaps the most mysterious fungi on Earth," remarked Benjamin Lemmond from Smith's lab. "They thrive out of sight, yet people worldwide are eager to find and savor their unique flavors. This research illustrates that undiscovered truffles may be lurking just beneath our feet, and without the keen noses of our furry detectives, we might miss them."

Aromas and Culinary Value

In addition to naming the new species, researchers are investigating the specific aromas that make each truffle unique—an essential factor in determining their culinary value. Utilizing gas chromatography, Bonito and Sow collaborated with horticulture expert Randy Beaudry to analyze the volatile organic compounds that contribute to each aroma. Their findings revealed that T. canirevelatum boasts compounds linked to a savory garlic scent, while T. cumberlandense shares fragrant components with esteemed truffles like the Périgord black truffle.

The Role of Truffle Dogs

"Our research underscores the critical role that truffle dogs play in exploring and cultivating these fungal delicacies," Bonito concluded. "We suspect there are many native truffle species yet to be discovered, and the collaboration between mycologists, the public, and these remarkable dogs is crucial in this endeavor."

Conclusion: A Partnership Unraveling Mysteries

As the world of truffle hunting evolves, the partnership between humanity and our four-legged friends continues to unlock the mysteries of the culinary underground!