Truffles and Fungi

Did you know that Truffles are fungi but not considered a type of mushroom?

Truffles are a type of fungi that grow dense, rock shaped reproductive bodies underground vs. mushrooms which are a type of fungal fruiting body that grow above ground and include both a stem and cap. Unlike mushrooms, truffles need an animal to spread their spores in order to efficiently reproduce. Truffles will secrete a smell that attracts animals (typically rodents) that will dig them up, consume them, and then spread the spores in their waste.

Truffles, like some other fungi species, are included in a group called Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). EMF are vital for ecosystem health because of their symbiotic relationship with trees. This relationship consists of the EMF fixing nitrogen into a form that trees can use in return for carbohydrates and structure for the fungi. The relationship between EMF and trees allow forests to thrive and flourish.