The exterior is slightly velvety and white at first, and when mature it has a smooth, reddish ochre surface with brown markings.

It has a compact consistency and, when sectioned, the interior is whitish when young, light ochre or pinkish brown with age.

It bears fruit from winter to early summer (from December to June), in coastal or low-lying areas (between 200 and 1,000 metres above sea level).

[3] It is highly adaptable to different environments: although it prefers calcareous sandy soils (typical of coastal areas) it also bears fruit in black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) habitat at higher altitudes.

It is found throughout Europe: from Finland to Italy (Tuscany, Abruzzo, Romagna, Umbria, Marche, Molise and Sicily[4]) and the Iberian Peninsula (Andalusia, Portugal, and Castile and León), and from Ireland and Great Britain to Hungary and Poland, very common in France, including Corsica.