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The Judgment of Truffles
American Grown Périgord Truffles Rival Europe’s Finest
Published On: November 17, 2025
European-produced Périgord black truffles have long been considered the pinnacle of excellence. One of the world’s most expensive gourmet delicacies, these fantastic fungi command some of the highest prices of any truffle. But recently, Michelin-awarded American chefs have declared that American-produced Périgord truffles are every bit as good as those harvested in Europe.
Chef Gabriel Kreuther harvesting fresh truffles in Napa with Zara the truffle dog
For Robert Chang, Chief Truffle Officer of American Truffle Company® and founder of the popular Napa Truffle Festival, this acknowledgment is akin to the “Judgment of Paris,” referencing the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting when Napa wines ranked highest against French and European wines, forever changing the world’s perception of American wine.
Because truffles are highly perishable, with a half-life of only five days, domestically grown truffles—which can be harvested and served within hours rather than the many days it takes to meander through the supply chain from Europe—offer the optimum aroma and flavor prized by chefs and epicureans.
According to Chef Ken Frank of the highly acclaimed La Toque restaurant in Napa Valley, and one of the country’s foremost culinary experts on truffles: “Freshness is the holy grail of quality with truffles. In fact, there is no difference in quality among Périgord black truffles grown anywhere in the world.”
Chef Ken Frank shaving truffles
In 2024, American Truffle Company® harvested its first icon-class truffle—among the top 2% of truffles harvested globally. One week later, another even bigger truffle was harvested. Chef Frank immediately served both truffles at La Toque, marking the first time an American-produced Périgord truffle was served in his Michelin-awarded restaurant. The excitement continued into high gear in 2025 when Chef Frank and Michelin-star Chef Gabriel Kreuther of New York City both personally harvested large truffles from one of American Truffle Company®’s truffle orchards in Napa. These momentous harvests were reported in the media as “truffle treasures unearthed.”
“American-grown truffles have arrived,” says Chang. “As production continues to increase, our ultra-fresh truffles will be available to fine restaurants, as well as consumers directly, in a way that was never before possible.”
Foodies can taste and learn more about truffles at the Napa Truffle Festival, January 16–19, 2026. The weekend includes experiential truffle programs, extraordinary truffle meals, truffle dog demos, and one big free Truffle Marketplace at the Oxbow Public Market, featuring fresh truffles and exciting new truffle products for sale. Tickets available October 1, 2025 on the festival website, www.NapaTruffleFestival.com.