Geographical and Species Differentiation of Truffles (Tuber spp.) by Means of Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis of Light Elements (H, C, and N)

Truffles (Tuber spp.) are considered the most expensive edible fungi and, therefore, are highly prone to food fraud. In this study, authentic truffles from different countries of origin and species were characterized by the determination of their stable carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen isotope ratios (bulk δ2H, δ13C, and δ15N values). Chinese truffles from Yunnan or related provinces (n = 19) could be well-separated from all European samples (eight countries; n = 105) by means of their significantly (p < 0.05) more negative δ2H values. Furthermore, samples of the second most expensive European species Tuber magnatum were both more enriched in 15N and more depleted in 13C compared to the remaining samples, which allowed for an unequivocal differentiation. Hence, stable isotope ratio analysis could be of high value in terms of authentication of truffles.