Mycobiology

The Korean Society of Mycology (한국균학회)
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Tour of Truffles: Aromas, Aphrodisiacs, Adaptogens, and More

  • Allen, Kirsten (Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, The State University of New Jersey) ;
  • Bennett, Joan W. (Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)
  • Received : 2021.04.28
  • Accepted : 2021.05.26
  • Published : 2021.06.30
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Abstract

Truffles are the fruiting bodies of ascomycete fungi that form underground. Truffles are globally valued, culturally celebrated as aphrodisiacs, and highly sought-after delicacies in the culinary world. For centuries, naturalists have speculated about their mode of formation, and in cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, many species have been prized as a delectable food source. Truffle fruiting bodies form underground and emit a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Truffle volatiles are believed to have evolved to attract animals that disperse their spores. The main VOCs identified from truffles include sulfur compounds, such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS); in addition, 1-octen-3-ol and 2-methyl-1-propanol have been found in most truffle species. Humans use pigs and dogs trained to detect truffle VOCs in order to find these prized subterranean macrofungi. Truffles have pharmacological potential, but until more reliable cultivation methods become available their high price means they are unlikely to see widespread use as medicinals.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program at Rutgers University-New Brunswick directed by Dr. James Simon for their funding and support. We also thank the Rutgers University Pipeline - Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (RUP-IMSD) for a stipend to KA. We are grateful to Isabelle Souza for her competent help with manuscript preparation.

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