Rain or Shine...

THE PRICE of truffles, the "black diamonds" of French cuisine, has shot up this season after a particularly dry summer led to a smaller than usual harvest.

The price of first-quality truffles was 3,500 francs (pounds 390) per kilogram; truffles normally sell at around 2,800 francs per kilo (pounds 310). Truffles are found mainly in France, Spain and Italy and have a pungent, woody flavour.