In the early Eastern civilizations, mushrooms and fungi are not only considered as food, they are also noted for the medicinal value. Until now, there are cultures which would still use mushroom extracts as a component for soups and teas in order to boost the immune system. They are also said to reduce the risks of cancer and heart diseases. It s difficult to exactly describe the smell. All you can say is that truffles smell pungent, earthy, musky, and sensual. That being said, you can more accurately say that people perceive the aroma of the truffle based on the olfactory response it evokes, not so much on its real smell. The aroma is actually more overwhelming than the flavor of the truffles, so much so that it becomes the flavor itself. Chinese Truffles These truffles actually consist of three species with varying flavors: Tuber indicum, Tuber sinense, and Tuber himalayanse. Tuber indicum has fine white veins and brown meat, while Tuber sinense has huge ivory veins and dark brown flesh. The latter type of Chinese truffle is oily and chewy and leaves a bitter taste to the tongue. This is also quite expensive because this variety can only be found in the P rigord region in France. It is also found in oak trees unlike other types that can be found in other types of trees. Black Truffles are hunted from late autumn to early winter. During these seasons, Black Truffles grow at their best ranging from 7 to 9 centimeters in diameter and could weigh from 80 grams to 100. From fall to spring, trufficulteurs or those who hunt for truffles for selling make use dogs that are specially-trained especially in finding buried things usually at night time. Before the use of dogs in hunting truffles, people have been using female pigs or sows for this purpose. They are used to hunt for truffles since this emits pungent smell that sows mistake for a male pig. Everything You Need to Know about Truffles Are you fond of eating mushrooms? If so, truffles must be one of your favorites. Most truffle mushrooms have pungent aroma and strong flavor, making them ideal ingredients or side dishes. Want to know more about them? Read on and discover interesting facts about truffle mushrooms.