Truffles that have been stocked for a long time gradually lose their strong smell. Also, go for truffles that are well-textured, evenly shaped, blemish-free, and firm. Pick ingredients that go well with the truffles without diminishing their strong flavor. In a truffle recipe, avoid using ingredients with very strong flavor or pungent smell as they might upstage the truffles. These types include the White Truffles which are the most rare among the types of truffles; the Black Truffles, which is very expensive because it can only be found in an oak tree; the Chinese Truffles which are the most available type because it grows bountifully in China and are often being exported to various parts of the world; and the Summer Truffles, which have milder aroma compared to other winter truffle types. Just like any other vegetables, they are free of cholesterol. In fact, there are several studies citing mushrooms and fungi to have to ability to lower down serum cholesterol. However, it should be taken into consideration that although mushroom and truffles have no cholesterol and low in fat, the method of cooking them would usually require them to be infused with butter or oil. Since buying truffles is no light matter, in relation to budget, it is important to consider several things to ensure that you would be getting your money worth. Timing is essential in harvesting, marketing and buying truffles. There are truffles like the black winter variety that is best bought during its peak season which is from February to March. When used, this type of truffle is mixed with dishes with pineapple, ground almonds, Parmesan and chocolate as ingredients. - the French black truffle or Tuber melanosporum. This is considered as among the most expensive types, ranging from $1000 to $3000 per pound. Exclusively found in Perigord region in France before, other countries like United States, Spain, and Australia because of the high demand. Truffles grow close to the roots of trees such as oaks, hazelnut, chestnut, and red alder. Most of them are buried about 2 to 3 inches deep to the ground. Other truffle varieties can be found in as deep as 15 inches from the ground. Truffles grow best in a warm and humid climate, just like other species of fungus.