[algesten]

Explains a lot. I remember having truffle shavings at the table on pasta at a posh italian restaurant in the early 2000, and it was reassuringly expensive. Didn't taste of much, I wasn't overwhelmed. A bit earthy, but nothing special. Then I read somewhere that some people can't taste truffle. So I put it down to that.

More recently if I get something that says "truffle", it's this crazy almost garlic style punch (without the aftertaste of garlic). I've been confused why my experience of this changed so much from then to now… should have known I was being scammed!

[mdp2021]

> Didn't taste of much

Truffles vary in taste and intensity, yet the price will easily be set on classes that ignore the quality of the single tuber. Some may taste horribly - it can happen - and yet be sold with a price following their class (not their individual merit).

I am afraid it is racist: all truffles of the same family are regarded the same by some, in spite of strong individual differences.

[dm319]

I don't see myself going to the effort/expense of having authentic truffles. It's just a very particular mild taste. I think I can do without it.

[kibwen]

There's the kicker. Truffles aren't beloved because of their flavor (which is fine), they're beloved because of their rarity and expense, which allows you to signal your social status. They're the diamonds of the food world.

[dm319]

When I was younger I used to believe when people talked about how amazing certain items or experiences were. They were often very expensive, or very hard to get to. I used to believe that they really were such a unique and special experience and that was why people would go to the trouble and expense of having it.

Being older now, I see that the real value in the item or experience was being able to tell me about it. So many things fall into this category, if not completely, at least partially.