Overview

• The two new truffle species, Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense, were discovered with the help of trained truffle-hunting dogs in the United States.
• Tuber canirevelatum, meaning 'dog-found truffle,' was named in honor of Monza, the dog who uncovered it, while Tuber cumberlandense was named after the Cumberland Plateau where it was found.
• Both species are native to North America and share aromatic compounds found in highly valued European truffles, making them promising for culinary use and cultivation.
• Tuber cumberlandense is being explored for cultivation by Maker’s Mark distillery, which plans to integrate truffle farming with white oak reforestation for whiskey barrels.
• Researchers emphasize the importance of truffle dogs in identifying and harvesting mature truffles, a practice that minimizes environmental impact and enhances truffle farming efforts.