The Pecan Truffle (Tuber lyonii): A Gourmet Truffle Native to the Southeastern United States

Figure 1. A: Truffle hunters raking the ground in a pecan orchard in search of pecan truffles; B and C: Pecan truffles showing the distinct identifying features; D: the diagnostic, spiny-spores of the pecan truffle within an ascus; E: a prepared pasta dish with fresh slices of the pecan truffle. Credits: Matthew E. Smith, UF/IFAS

A truffle is a round, knobby, or lobed mushroom fruiting body that forms below ground. The “pecan truffle” (Tuber lyonii) is an edible truffle species, native to eastern North America. This fungus lives in a mutually beneficial relationship with the roots of some trees, including species of oak, hazelnut, and hickory trees, as well as the cultivated pecan tree. This four-page fact sheet describes the pecan truffle, its economic and culinary significance, morphology, and phenology and distribution. Written by Arthur C. Grupe II, Timothy Brenneman, Gregory Bonito, and Matthew E. Smith and published by the Plant Pathology Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp330