The summer variety is cheaper than the winter variety, so it allows for more culinary consumption and experimentation. Summer black truffle - This truffle type may seem inferior to its winter counterpart, but it is still a palatable and flexible culinary wonder, so does other types of truffles. Usually harvested from May to August, summer black truffle is entirely a different species from the winter variety. The most familiar among these truffle varieties is the black winter truffle, also popularly known as the umbria truffle, the black diamond truffle, the French black truffle, or the Perigord. With a diamond shape and black-grayish color, the black winter truffle gives off a very strong aroma and tastes earthy. Storing Truffle Chefs and truffle experts advise against storing or preserving truffles, as it causes them to dry out and lose their flavor as well as aroma. Although it is better that truffles are consumed shortly after you purchase them, you can store them for a short time, like three to five days. Among these types, the most expensive and rare type is the White Truffle. Also called, Alba Madonna, this truffle type is usually found in Italy, specifically in around the city of Alba and also available in Croatia. Usually, the White Truffle is found in hazel, poplar, beech and oak trees. With its flesh color which range from pale cream or brown, truffles usually grow during autumn months and each one can grow up 12 centimeter in diameter and could weigh 500 grams. Summer truffles are best purchased from June to November. Winter truffles during November to February, White truffles during October to December Oregon truffles from mid-December until the middle of March. Perigord truffles from December until February Burgundy Truffles from October until January. The truffles should not reach beyond this point. Yes, you can find them in every part of the world, but it takes a great deal of hard work, time, patience, and knowledge about various truffle species to be able to collect these precious finds. And you can correctly guess that it s their being elusive that makes them seductive, what with the human nature that drives people to want anything that is difficult to attain.