Which Is More Expensive, White or Black Truffle? A Buying Guide

Short answer: white truffle is more expensive. White truffle (Tuber magnatum) cannot be reliably cultivated and has a short season, so it costs more than black truffle wherever the two are sold side by side. At Chalarm Food the gap shows at the same jar size: 25 g of whole white truffle is THB 2,800, against THB 1,600 for 25 g of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum).

Truffle is nicknamed the "Diamond of the Kitchen", but when it comes to actually buying, many people are unsure how black and white truffles differ and which one to choose. This guide from Chalarm Food covers aroma, flavour, season, uses and real prices so you can pick the right truffle for cooking at home or for your restaurant or hotel.

Black truffle vs white truffle at a glance

The two main types differ mainly in aroma, heat tolerance and price:

• Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum): deep, earthy aroma; heat-tolerant so it can be cooked; peak season in winter; high price.

• White truffle (Tuber magnatum): stronger, pungent aroma; not heat-tolerant, best shaved raw; famously from Alba, Italy; the most expensive truffle in the world.

Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum) — the versatile choice

Black truffle has a deep aroma and tolerates heat well, so it works in many cooked dishes such as pasta, risotto, baked eggs or sauces. It is a great starting point for beginners because it is easy to use and keeps its aroma even after cooking. The fresh season peaks in winter, while processed products are available year-round.

White Truffle (Tuber magnatum) — the king of aroma

White truffle is famously the most expensive truffle in the world and cannot be cultivated — it is foraged from the wild, most notably around Alba in Piedmont, Italy. Its aroma is stronger and more complex than black truffle, but it does not tolerate heat, so it is shaved thinly over finished dishes such as pasta, fried eggs or risotto to preserve its fragrance. It suits special occasions and serious truffle lovers.

Summer Truffle (Tuber aestivum) — the budget option

If you are not ready to spend big, summer black truffle (Tuber aestivum) is a good start. Its aroma is milder than winter black truffle but it is far more affordable — ideal for practice and everyday dishes. Chalarm Food offers whole jarred summer truffle.

How to choose, by use and budget

• Beginner or trying it out: start with processed products such as truffle sauce, oil or salt — easy to use, long shelf life, from a few hundred baht.

• Cooking with heat (saute, bake, sauces): choose black truffle for its heat tolerance and clear aroma.

• Aroma-forward, served raw, special occasions: choose white truffle, shaved on top.

• Restaurants and hotels (bulk): wholesale pricing available — call 097-146-3594 to plan seasonal stock.

Truffle prices at Chalarm Food (reference)

• Fresh Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum): 1,000 THB

• Fresh White Truffle (Tuber magnatum): 1,500 THB

• Whole White Truffle (jarred): 2,800 THB

• Whole Summer Black Truffle (Tuber aestivum): 450 THB

• Black Truffle Sauce (Original): 300 THB; Salsa & White Truffle Sauce: 400 THB

• Black / White Truffle Oil: 350 / 380 THB

• Truffle Salt: 380 THB; Acacia Honey with Black Truffle: 400 THB

Note: fresh truffle prices vary by season and availability. Please check the latest prices on the product pages or call 097-146-3594.

How to store truffles

• Fresh truffle: use as soon as possible within a few days; wrap in dry paper and keep refrigerated, changing the paper daily to reduce moisture.

• Processed products (sauce, oil, salt): keep much longer; check the expiry date and refrigerate after opening as directed on the label.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Which is more expensive, black or white truffle?

White truffle (Tuber magnatum) is more expensive because it cannot be cultivated and is rarer — it is the most expensive truffle in the world.

What should a beginner start with?

Start with processed products such as truffle sauce or oil — easy to use, long shelf life, priced from a few hundred baht.

Can white truffle be cooked with heat?

Not recommended, as its aroma fades with heat. Shave it over finished dishes just before serving.

Where does Chalarm Food import truffles from?

Authentic imports from Italy; processed products are artisan-made with no colouring and no preservatives.

Can I buy in bulk for a restaurant or hotel?

Yes — wholesale pricing is available for restaurants and hotels. Call 097-146-3594.

Order authentic truffles from Chalarm Food

Order authentic Italian truffles, retail or wholesale — see all products at www.chalarmfood.com or call 097-146-3594.