Alba White Truffle

WHAT? Truffles, in general, have long been considered a gastronomic indulgence. However, the Alba White truffle stands in a league of its own. Thought to be one of the most luxurious food ingredients available, the white tuber magantum is truly an experience to be had. With a deeper, muskier scent than the regular truffle, the taste is as piquant to your palate as the scent is as mesmerising.

WHY? A big reason as to why truffles in general are considered a luxury are their elusive nature (as they never grow in the same place twice), their wild nature as well as their diminishing presence. The latter is due to issues such as climate change and inadequate agricultural landscape. The white truffle is actually a rarer find compared to its sibling, and so the exclusivity of coming upon a healthy and ideal white truffle is an uncommon treasure that results in its exorbitant price. A high demand comes equipped with a high price.

WHERE? With the clue in the name, the Alba White Truffle is most famously from around the italian countryside surrounding the cities of Alba and Asti. They can also be found in Langhe and the Monferrat areas of the Piedmont region in North Italy. Every year between October and November, the town of Alba hosts a yearly festival known as the “International Alba White Truffle Fair”, with this year being the 88th year of the fair.

HOW MUCH? The “International Alba White Truffle Fair” that convenes every year in the fall-winter seasons of October and November is used to set a reference point for the price and quality of truffles across the country, which then translates internationally. Currently, however, the price of the white truffle has increased setting itself at an all time high of GBP 6,000 per kilo, compared to five years ago when it was GBP 5,000 per kilo. This recent increase is attributed to an unfavourable climate that has also elevated the price of olives and wines from the surrounding areas.