Although the sedentary way of life of mushrooms has triggered them to be mistaken as plants before, fungi similar to truffles are literally phylogenetically closer to animals than they're to plants. As mentioned before, within the kitchen, the truffle is a star. December is the beginning of the season of the black truffle (Tuber Melanosporum) , reaching it highest quality in February and finishes in March. White truffle (Tuber magnatum pico): Contrary to their title, white truffles have a pale, yellowish exterior - reminiscent to a rough-skinned, lumpy new potato. Black and white truffles are also distinct in their geographic distribution and seasonality. The usage of animals for truffle searching makes truffles an ethical dilemma for vegans. Being a mushroom, they are fully totally different from both plants and animals. This occurs when animals dig up truffles after which poop out the spores, spreading them into other areas.