A farmer in eastern Ontario has discovered a new type of truffle.

When Lucille Groulx started her truffle farm in Wendover, Ontario in 2015, she was using truffles she had imported from France. It was only later that she realized a rare, indigenous variety of this delicious delicacy had been previously present on her land. The native truffle found on the Domaine du Roi farm belongs to the Tuber rufum family, a type of truffle that is almost found worldwide, including various local indigenous varieties.
Initially, she had opted for Burgundy truffles and made a trip to France to bring some back to Canada. Groulx believed that Burgundy truffles were well-suited to the Ontario climate and would help protect the oak and hazelnut trees on her farm from diseases. However, while digging for truffles, she was surprised to stumble upon a different, flavorful intruder.
In French, she stated, "I planted Burgundy truffles, and then I found another truffle. You know, you plant red potatoes, and you find white potatoes. Truffles have a unique genetic makeup."
Groulx, a former pharmacy technician, hurried to analyze the truffle to ensure it was safe for human consumption. A laboratory at the University of Florida confirmed in January of the past year that not only was the truffle safe to eat, but it also possessed a unique DNA sequence and distinctive natural chemical compounds.

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