[Ramius]

...the pickers use highly trained small dogs - some valued at $200,000 for their special skill - to sniff them out. "They're watched 24 hours a day," Harmeyer said, explaining that the dogs are in danger of being killed by competitors in the cutthroat world of truffles.

I had no idea. I don't think I've ever tasted a truffle. What sort of taste is it?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

It's like trying to describe a particular "color" to a blind person.

Earthy? Pungent? Aromatic cheese? They're really quite unique. I've only had them once, but it was worth it. I do use a Balsamic Vinegar that is flavored with truffle. ($12 a bottle. Eeeek!) Again, it just gives it an "earthy" taste, to me.

Think of truffles more of an "herb" or a seasoning. It's not like you'd just fry them up with onions and put them on a burger. ;)

[oblomov]

Have you ever had porcini or morel mushrooms? The flavor is somewhat similar, though much stronger, with undertones of an aged cheese. Because of the strong flavor and the cost, they are used as a spice rather than a meal component. It just takes a tiny amount to completely change the taste of a dish, much like saffron.

[meowmeow]

I had a truffle (black) and parsnip soup this fall. It was WONDERFUL! I could have eaten a vat of it. It tasted like a forest with lots of ferns smells after a summer rain in early evening when it isn't too hot and the sun hasn't broken through the clouds yet. Seriously.