This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a person presenting a 1.71-kg black truffle in southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo by Wu Ke/Xinhua)
KUNMING, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- A giant black truffle weighing 1.71 kg has been unearthed in southwest China's Yunnan Province, setting a new record for the heaviest black truffle ever found in the province, which is known as the "kingdom of wild mushrooms."
This truffle's weight far exceeds the typical range for black truffles, which usually weigh between 10 grams and 200 grams, and surpasses the previous record of 1.25 kg in the province.
The rare find has a dark brown to black hue, irregular spherical shape, and dimensions measuring 16 cm in length, 16.6 cm in width and 14 cm in height.
"This black truffle was buried about 10 cm underground with no visible signs on the surface," said Wu Min, a resident of the city of Anning, who discovered the record truffle.
According to an expert, the truffle is expected to sell for 20,000 yuan (around 2,782.6 U.S. dollars).
Black truffles, often called the "black diamonds" of the culinary world, are among the most expensive edible fungi due to their rarity and distinctive aroma. They require highly specific conditions to grow, including a particular climate, type of soil and the presence of certain tree species.
Thanks to its unique natural environment, Yunnan is China's primary producer of black truffles. Truffles are prized in high-end dining markets worldwide for their exceptional quality and flavor. ■
