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'First ever' wild truffle discovered on Paris rooftop

Truffles usually grow further south in warmer climates

Sunday 24 December 2017 00:29 GMT
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The winter black truffle was found on a rooftop in Paris
The winter black truffle was found on a rooftop in Paris (AFP/Getty Images)

A wild truffle has been found on a rooftop in Paris, it has been reported.

Truffles usually grow further south and the discovery is believed to be the first of its kind for the city.

Usually truffles are dug up by trained pigs or dogs and are found in Mediterranean climates.

Experts at the Museum of Natural History in France said it was remarkable the truffle had grown in Paris.

"The discovery of this wild truffle is a wonderful example of how roof gardens and green roofs have a huge potential for urban biodiversity," the museum, which revealed the find, said.

The mushroom expert from the museum, Professor Marc-Andre Selosse, said it was "remarkable".

"This shows that it could happen again and that it might be possible to cultivate truffles on Paris roofs," Mr Selosse told AFP.

The truffle weighs approximately 21 grams and is thought to be a winter black truffle.

It is not the most sought after member of the truffle family but is valued by chefs who use with scallops, sausage or potatoes.

Prices for desirable truffles have recently soared to over 5,000 euros a kilo.

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