The word 'truffle' describes two very different luxuries. One is a rich chocolate candy with a creamy ganache center, rolled in cocoa or coated in chocolate. The other is a rare, earthy fungus that grows underground and is prized by chefs. National Truffle Day, on May 2, celebrates both. Chocolate lovers can make or buy truffles, while adventurous eaters can try truffle oil, truffle fries or a dish shaved with fresh truffle.
History of National Truffle Day
Truffle mushrooms have been prized for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans ate them, and Romans believed they formed when lightning struck the ground. Truffles grow underground near the roots of certain trees, such as oaks and hazelnuts, and are notoriously hard to find. Traditionally, pigs were used to sniff them out, but today trained dogs are preferred, because pigs tend to eat the truffles. The most famous truffles come from France and Italy, especially black Périgord truffles and white Alba truffles.
Chocolate truffles are named after the fungus because of their rounded, cocoa-dusted appearance. They are often said to have been invented in France in the 1890s, with one story crediting the chef Louis Dufour in Chambéry. Different styles developed, including French truffles rolled in cocoa, Swiss truffles made with butter and cream, and American truffles, which are often larger and coated in chocolate.
Who created National Truffle Day is not documented.
Why National Truffle Day Matters
Truffles are a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, from careful chocolate-making to the skill of truffle hunters and their dogs.
Chocolate truffles are also surprisingly easy to make at home with just cream and chocolate, making them a perfect homemade gift.
Learning about truffle mushrooms also introduces fascinating science: truffles form partnerships with tree roots, helping trees absorb nutrients while receiving sugars in return. This relationship, called mycorrhiza, is essential to healthy forests.
How to Celebrate National Truffle Day
- Make chocolate truffles: mix warm cream with chopped chocolate, chill, and roll into balls.
- Coat creatively: roll truffles in cocoa, nuts, sprinkles or coconut.
- Try truffle mushrooms: order a dish with shaved truffle or try truffle oil.
- Give a gift: package homemade truffles in a small box.
- Learn about truffle dogs: watch a video of dogs hunting truffles.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a box of chocolate truffles is an easy way to say thank you to a team or client. In classrooms, students can learn about fungi and mycorrhizal relationships with trees, or study how chocolate is made from cacao beans. Cooking classes can make simple ganache truffles. At home, families can make chocolate truffles together; children love rolling them in toppings. Adults may want to try a truffle-flavored dish, such as pasta or fries, for a special dinner.
Fun Facts About National Truffle Day
- Trained dogs are now preferred over pigs for finding truffles.
- Chocolate truffles are named for their resemblance to the fungus.
- Truffle mushrooms grow underground near tree roots.
National Truffle Day FAQs
When is National Truffle Day?
National Truffle Day is May 2.
Why are chocolate truffles called truffles?
They resemble the round, cocoa-dusted truffle mushroom.
Why are truffle mushrooms expensive?
They are rare, hard to cultivate and must be found by trained animals.
What is ganache?
A mixture of chocolate and cream used in truffles.