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As companies eye the best patches of ocean to search for the precious sulphides and nodules, dubbed “truffles of the ocean,” the waters near the Saya de Malha Bank have emerged as an attractive target.

“Flooding and drought significantly impact wild-foraged products, with damage that often takes years to stabilize. For example, the floods in North Carolina in September 2024 severely affected Appalachian truffle foragers.”

A friend told me recently that Trader Joe’s discontinuing their truffle powder seasoning was the end of an era, and I had to stop myself from asking her, “Is it really?”

Historically, festive foods such as champagne, foie gras, or truffles have been symbols of luxury.

"They look like chocolate truffles, just don't eat them," jokes Jean Mason, the curator of the Cook Islands Library and Museum as she reaches into a display cabinet and pulls out a black, knobbly rock.