Why are truffles expensive?
They are becoming rare. In the regions of France and Italy where truffles occur naturally, the number of truffles found during harvest has decreased significantly over time. It is thought that this is due to urbanisation, climate change and pollution. In France prior to 1914, some 1800 tonne of truffles were harvested annually. Now France produces less than 50 tonne per annum. In 1998, annual production was reported to be only 8 tonne. Production is decreasing yet demand is increasing throughout the world. It is no coincidence therefore, that Tuber melanosporum truffles are known as Black Diamonds.
