Unearthing gold

A tree surgeon struck the garden equivalent of gold when he dug up truffles in a garden in Plymouth. Chris Hunt a 47 year old gardener and tree surgeon was working on the garden of Elaine Keith-Hill when he unearthed the delicacy.

Mr Hunt was clearing undergrowth around mature beech and oak trees at Mrs Keith-Hill's property when he unearthed the truffles.

Truffles are normally found in France and Italy and are gathered between November and May, using specially-trained dogs or boars who locate the fungi by smell. They grow around tree roots - normally oak - by providing and taking vital nutrients from the roots.

In total Chris found 10 truffles weighing about 2 kilos and thought to be worth about £1,000, the honest gardener handed them over to the gardens owner who is now considering selling them.

Australia could produce 10 times as many truffles

Australian truffle production could grow by as much as 10 times its current level by 2013, but market development and further research will be needed to ensure the industry has a long-term future.

Truffles are unique underground mushrooms that grow on the roots of trees which either naturally host the fungi or have been inoculated with truffle spores..
Despite being a relatively new crop to Australia, truffles are one of the most highly sought after and valued foods in the world, with Australian truffles currently selling for between $2000 and $3000 per kg. Despite being highly sought after by many chefs, it is not used often due to the considerable cost of purchase.

The cost is so high due to the difficulties with creating the right environment for the truffles to grow.

The most ever paid for a truffle is $330,000 by a casino owner from Macau for a 1.5kg white truffle last year, which Works out to $220,000 per kg.

Bagel Sir? That'll be $1000 Sir!

If you've ever been to New York you'll be familiar with the famous NY Bagel shops. And the traditional order for many locals is a 'Bagel and a Schmear' which is a fresh bagel with cream cheese.

But the States being what it is, it has to create something bigger and better and so chef Frank Tujague has now created what just may be the ultimate topping for New Yorkers' Sunday brunch favourite - the $1,000 Bagel and a Schmear.

And what makes it so expensive? Yup - its the humble fungus! Because this $1,000 bagel topping contains Alba White Truffle and cream cheese.

The truffle - a mushroom-related fungus that grows underground - costs $4,000 a pound. "White truffles are a simple, quality ingredient that takes the meal - or the bagel in this case - to the next level," the chef says.

The Chef then infuses his truffle cream cheese with goji berry - to make it healthy, apparently. And to make the point that this is one decadent meal, he tops off his creation with edible gold leaves.

Well if you ever come to Wild About Mushrooms, we can create a similar Bagel for you - but we prefer to use Philadelphia with a sprinkling of chopped Morels.

And you can have that for £1.25!!