Tartufo

Romans used to think that this subterranean fungus, called a tuber, was the fruit of lightning, since it grew under or in the proximity of trees. They could not find any other explanation for something so delicious that even pigs were inebriated by it.

For centuries afterwards, this has been seen as a food that only cultured people could enjoy and not like other fungi. Indeed, the aura surrounding this fungus has been so elevated that it has become an elitist food to be enjoyed only by those with money. In Italy, however, even with the high prices, almost every Italian eats truffle at least once a year, even if it is only a few shavings on a plate of pasta.