And even finding the elusive fungus was more like a scavenger hunt than an agricultural pursuit. A few clues to the trained eye indicate the possibility of truffles underfoot. This may be why the ancients thought truffles were the product of lightning striking the ground. Underground, their pungent smell is not detectable to the human nose, but the sensitive snouts of animals hone in on truffles like radar. Dogs aren't tempted to eat the truffles, but their masters have to be quick to step in since canines have a tendency to fetch their delicate prizes a little too aggressively.
Female pigs are excellent truffle hunters, with one significant flaw.
They think truffles are to die for, and will gobble them up as fast as they find them if not carefully controlled. Such is life. For centuries, people unsuccessfully tried to cultivate truffles because they are so tricky to locate. Until very recently, all efforts failed to control and contain them. One enterprising French peasant planted acorns from the oaks where truffles frequently grew, and within about 15 years he had a field of oaks surrounded by truffles.