In an exciting collaborative research endeavor, scientists from Michigan State University and the University of Florida teamed up with passionate citizen scientists and specially trained truffle dogs to unveil two new species of truffles.
New Species Unveiled
The first species, Tuber canirevelatum, which translates to “dog-found” truffle, pays homage to the invaluable skills of truffle dogs in this discovery.
Monza, one such skilled companion, played a crucial role in locating the specimen under the guidance of her handler, Lois Martin.
The second species, named Tuber cumberlandense, takes its title from the Cumberland Plateau, where it was discovered by Margaret Townsend and her truffle dog, Luca.
The discovery of T. canirevelatum began serendipitously.
Lois Martin, intrigued by the distinctive look and aroma of a truffle she found, decided to send a sample to the lab of Gregory Bonito at Michigan State University.
With assistance from undergraduate researcher Alassane Sow, Bonito used DNA analysis to name and classify these remarkable truffles, shedding light on their place within the broader fungal family tree.
Market Potential
The identification of these new species promises to spark growing interest in North American truffle cultivation.
Notably, both T. canirevelatum and T. cumberlandense contain aromatic compounds that are similar to those prized in commercially valuable truffles.
This resemblance can significantly inflate their market price, potentially reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars per kilogram—a testament to their rarity.
Interestingly, T. cumberlandense has been previously harvested and sold under various names.
However, genetic analysis has now definitively recognized it as a distinct species endemic to North America.
In a forward-thinking effort, the Maker’s Mark distillery in Kentucky has begun plans to cultivate this truffle.
They are planting white oaks, the tree species known to form a symbiotic bond with truffles, alongside their whiskey production.
Culinary Appeal
This research underscores a growing enthusiasm for bringing indigenous North American truffles into the spotlight of cultivation and commerce.
It also highlights the essential role that trained truffle dogs play in discovering these elusive fungi.
Bonito and his team have been actively exploring North America’s truffle species landscape since well before 2010, expanding the inventory of edible fungi found in the wild.
To further enhance their culinary appeal, the aromatic profiles of T. canirevelatum and T. cumberlandense were analyzed using gas chromatography.
This analysis unveiled unique volatile compounds that add to their allure in the kitchen.
The partnership between mycologists, community scientists, and expertly trained canines is poised to propel more discoveries of native truffle species in the future, painting a promising picture for truffle enthusiasts and cultivators alike.
Source: ScienceDaily