The white truffle (Tuber magnatum pico) is a fungi usually found close to the roots of trees. It comes from the Langhe and Monferrato areas, most famously in the countryside around Asti and the charming town of Alba, the world’s white truffle capital. The time to visit is during the truffle season in October and November. Don’t miss the International Alba White Truffle Fair, with its Truffle Market on Saturdays and Sundays. The record price for a single white truffle was paid in December 2007, when a specimen weighing 3.3 pounds was bought for $330,000. The best place to stock up on truffle products, including delicious pastes and oils, is at Tartufi Ponzio.

A version of this article appeared in the March 2015 print edition of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report under the headline “Buying White Truffles.”