A couple of months ago we received a sample from a truffle that was uncovered from Moncreiffe Primary School in Perth. We have since used DNA to determine the species, and the result is quite unexpected.
The children were digging up their vegetable patch and accidently dug up a "mystery" truffle. When MSL received it we realised that it was a white truffle species and assumed that it must be Tuber Borchii which is fairly common in the UK. To our surprise the DNA results showed that the truffle found was actually Tuber maculatum. This is a type of white truffle and although not the most expensive it is edible. This species grows in association with a wide number of trees and is quite common, although we have never heard of a wild find so far north.
There are over 70 different species of truffle but only seven are good edible's, therefore it is important to have them identified scientifically by an expert before you consider eating. If you have found something and you would like analysis to know exactly what it is please contact shop@mycorrhizalsystems.com