History and Legend

Antiquity
The first written records of truffles appear in “Naturalis Historia” by Pliny the Elder. In the 1st century BC, the Greek philosopher Plutarch of Chaeronea introduced the belief that this precious fungus was created through the combined forces of water, heat, and lightning. This idea captured the imagination of many writers—among them Juvenal, who claimed that truffles were born from a thunderbolt cast by Jupiter near an oak tree (a tree the king of the gods held sacred). Given Jupiter’s legendary sexual prowess, truffles have long been associated with aphrodisiac qualities.

Middle Ages and Renaissance
Truffles remained a prized delicacy, gracing the tables of nobles and high-ranking clergy. Some scholars of the period believed that their intoxicating aroma represented a kind of quintessence—capable of stirring ecstasy in those who experienced it.

The truffle of Piedmont – Alba and Istria
In the 18th century, truffles from Piedmont were regarded as one of the finest delicacies at European royal courts. Among the most devoted admirers of this earthy treasure was composer Gioachino Rossini, who famously described the truffle as “the Mozart of mushrooms.”

While white truffles from both Piedmont and Istria have long been considered the most prized variety, Tuber magnatum Pico only gained global fame in the 20th century. This rise to prominence was largely due to the visionary promotional efforts of Giacomo Morra, a hotelier and restaurateur from Alba, who was aptly named “The King of Truffles” by the London Times as early as 1933.