Introduction

In an exciting breakthrough for the culinary world, researchers from Michigan State University, alongside their colleagues at the University of Florida and enthusiastic citizen scientists wielding 'truffle dogs,' have identified two new species of truffles that promise to enhance the gastronomic landscape of North America. This groundbreaking research made its way into the prestigious journal Mycologia, earning a coveted spot on its cover.

New Truffle Species

The first of these newly identified species, *Tuber canirevelatum*, translates to 'dog-found' truffle, paying homage to the skilled canine companions that assist in locating these hidden delicacies. The dog Monza, under the guidance of her trainer Lois Martin, played a pivotal role in discovering this remarkable fungus. The second species, *Tuber cumberlandense*, was named after the Cumberland Plateau, where Margaret Townsend and her trusty truffle dog, Luca, made the find.

The Discovery Process

The journey began when Martin shipped a sample of *T. canirevelatum* to Gregory Bonito, an associate professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, intrigued by its unique appearance and unexpected scent. Bonito, along with his undergraduate student Alassane Sow, who spearheaded the research, utilized advanced DNA analysis techniques to classify the truffles and investigate their place within the tree of life.

Excitement Around the Findings

Sow expressed the excitement surrounding their discovery, noting, 'These truffles appeared very similar to the well-known edible European varieties like *Tuber macrosporum* and *Tuber aestivum*. We believe that by officially naming these species, we can spark greater interest in cultivating North American truffles, which are shown to possess aromatic compounds akin to those found in the most coveted truffles worldwide.'

Economic Significance of Truffles

Truffles are notorious for their rarity and high market value, often fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars per kilogram. Bonito emphasized the economic potential of these new species, stating, 'Fresh truffles can command astonishing prices in international markets.'

Cultivation Efforts

Interestingly, *T. cumberlandense* has been previously harvested and marketed under various names, but studies revealed it is a distinct species native to North America. Efforts are currently underway in Kentucky, spearheaded by Maker's Mark distillery, to cultivate this native truffle. The distillery plans to reforest their land with white oaks, which have a symbiotic relationship with the truffles, potentially paving the way for truffle-infused whiskey in the future.

Growing Interest in North American Truffles

Historically, the focus has predominantly been on cultivating European truffles, yet there's a burgeoning interest in tapping into the truffle bounty of North America. Bonito highlighted the growing trend, stating, 'With the surge in truffle cultivation, there's a rising demand for trained truffle dogs capable of sniffing out these fungal treasures buried underground.'

The Mysterious Lives of Truffles

Before 2010, Bonito and collaborator Matthew Smith had already been busy surveying and identifying North American truffles. Benjamin Lemmond from Smith’s lab noted the allure of truffles: 'These fungi lead mysterious lives underground, but they captivate people worldwide with their culinary allure. Our findings underscore that many undiscovered truffles might be lurking right beneath our feet, waiting for skilled dogs and their remarkable noses to uncover them.'

Aromatic Compounds and Culinary Value

The study also revealed that every truffle species produces distinct aromas, which significantly influences their culinary value. Collaborating closely with MSU's Randy Beaudry from the Department of Horticulture, Bonito and Sow employed gas chromatography to analyze these aromatic compounds. Their findings indicated that *T. canirevelatum* is rich in compounds contributing to a savory garlic scent, while *T. cumberlandense* features aromatic chemicals found in highly sought-after varieties, suggesting an exciting future for North American truffles.

The Role of Trained Dogs

Bonito underscored the imperative role of trained truffle dogs in both truffle research and cultivation. He acknowledged that many native truffle species are yet to be discovered, highlighting the need for ongoing collaboration among mycologists, the public, and devoted canine companions in this fascinating pursuit. What other culinary jewels remain hidden in the earth? Only time and our skilled four-legged friends may reveal the next truffle treasure!