The black truffle ( Tuber melanosporum ) is one of the most exclusive ingredients in world gastronomy, and its price varies considerably throughout the season. Those looking to buy fresh truffles, whether for personal consumption or for haute cuisine, should understand the factors that influence their value and how the price of truffles evolves over the months.
In this article, we will explore when the black truffle reaches its optimal point of ripeness , how its price evolves during the season, and what factors determine its market value.
If you are looking for the best quality fresh black truffle and want to know the best time to buy it, at Sentidos Truferos we select the best pieces of the season, guaranteeing a product with maximum aroma and flavor.
The optimal ripening point of the black truffle and its impact on the price
The black truffle season officially begins on November 15th , but this doesn't mean that truffles harvested at that time are at their peak. The maturation of the black truffle is a gradual process, and its quality varies depending on the month it is harvested.
November: the start of the season and unripe truffles
In mid-November, although harvesting begins, the percentage of mature black truffles ready for fresh market is low. At this stage, truffle batches are of inconsistent quality , as many truffles have not yet fully developed their characteristic aroma and flavor.
This means that the price of truffles in November is relatively low compared to the following months, as only a small portion of the harvest is suitable for fresh sale. The rest is usually destined for the industry to produce derivative products, such as preserved truffles, oils, or truffle butter .
December: increased quality and higher prices
By mid-December, the quality of the black truffle improves considerably. At this time, a larger percentage of the harvest has reached its peak ripeness, allowing more truffles to be sold fresh.
However, what truly drives the price of truffles in December is demand. During the Christmas and New Year holidays , black truffles are a star ingredient on tables in many countries, especially in France, Spain, and Italy. The high demand during these weeks causes prices to skyrocket, making this period one of the most expensive times to buy fresh black truffles.
Although at this stage the black truffle already has a more intense aroma and flavor , it has not yet reached its optimal maturity.
January: top quality and more affordable prices
After the December holidays, demand for black truffles drops sharply. With less pressure on the market and a harvest that continues to increase in both quantity and quality, the price of truffles in January falls compared to the previous month , even though the black truffles at this time are of much higher quality.
This is the period in which many producers and companies dedicated to the marketing of black truffles take the opportunity to build up stocks of frozen or preserved truffles , ensuring product for the rest of the year.
If you want to enjoy fresh black truffles at the best price, January is one of the best months to buy them , as their quality-price ratio is excellent.
February: the peak season for black truffles
In February, the black truffle reaches its peak ripeness . This means that the percentage of high-quality truffles in each batch is very high, reaching in some cases 70-80% of pieces suitable for fresh sale .
As the season progresses and quality remains consistent, the gap between the selling price of black truffles and the price received by the producer narrows. At this stage, availability is high, which helps to stabilize prices.
If you're looking for truffles with maximum aromatic intensity and perfect ripeness, February is one of the best times to make your purchase.
March: end of the season and last batches of fresh black truffle
The fresh black truffle season in Europe ends in March or early April, depending on the weather. During this period, quality remains good, but availability begins to decrease, which can lead to a slight price increase in the final weeks.
Once the harvest is over, the only way to obtain black truffles is:
- Buying frozen or preserved truffles
- Importing truffles from countries in the southern hemisphere (where the season occurs in opposite months)
If you haven't tried black truffles this season yet, take advantage of the last few days to place your order at Sentidos Truferos before they disappear until next winter.
Factors that determine the price of black truffles
The price of black truffles depends not only on the time of year, but also on three other key factors:
1️⃣ Supply and demand: During Christmas, demand is high and prices rise. In January and February, with less pressure on the market, prices tend to stabilize or fall.
2️⃣ Weather conditions: If spring and summer have been favorable for black truffle growth, production will be more abundant and prices more affordable. Conversely, if there has been drought or frost, supply will be lower and prices will rise.
3️⃣ Truffle quality: A high-quality batch, with a high percentage of ripe truffles and no imperfections, will sell for a higher price than one with many defective pieces or with a low percentage of truffles suitable for fresh sale.
When is the best time to buy black truffles?
If you're looking for the best price on black truffles , the key is choosing the right time to buy. While truffles are in high demand and prices are higher in December, you can find top-quality truffles at more affordable prices in January and February .
As the season progresses and we approach March, availability decreases and fresh truffles disappear from the market until next winter.
To stay up to date on the start of the new season and the price evolution of black truffles in 2025-2026 , keep an eye on Sentidos Truferos and subscribe to our newsletter.
📢 Want to learn more about black truffles and how to use them in cooking? We recommend these articles:
🔗 How to preserve fresh black truffles
🔗 Black truffle recipes for beginners
🔗 Evolution of the price of black truffles in 2025
