Fungus among us: Bozeman scientists patent novel process for growing truffles in a lab

With its distinctive earthy, chocolatey taste, the truffle fungus is as rare as it is valuable.

The elusive mushroom is one of the most treasured culinary delicacies in the world, on par with caviar and bluefin tuna in terms of its high-end reputation and price tag. Historically, people have used pigs and dogs to sniff out the valuable fungi, which only grow in specific geographic regions at the base of select trees.

But now, an expedited process for growing the treasured truffle is being homed here in Bozeman. A local mycologist and retired Montana State University professor received a patent in August for a novel process of growing truffles in a lab.

The invention is significant for the wallets of truffle consumers, reducing the process of growing truffles from around 10 years to a ma