Tartufo nero di Norcia or Invernale, Tuber melanosporum

This tuber grows from winter to late spring in Umbria and specifically around Norcia, as well as in Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna and Calabria. A similar truffle can be found in Campania around Bagnoli Irpimia, but unfortunately it has a strong smell of carbolic acid and so is not much sought after (although it is eagerly consumed by the locals).

The melanosporum has much smoother skin than its summer counterpart, but it is its scent and taste for which it is valued. It is hunted down by trained dogs (mostly mongrels), who are rewarded with biscuits to prevent them from eating the bounty themselves. In the past, pigs were used to track down truffles, but pigs were so fond of them that it was difficult for the truffle hunter to persuade them not to eat the truffle themselves.