Two New Edible Truffle Species Discovered in North America

Researchers and trained dogs identify Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense, offering culinary and economic potential.

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.