Truffles are a transient and expensive treat, so it’s only fitting they’re available exclusively for just one month of the year.

Madame Truffles, the brainchild of Simon McCrudden and Bernadette Jenner, opens in Melbourne on 1st July, selling decadent truffles from Western Australia. Tasmania and New South Wales.

Cultivating these precious fungi is an esoteric art, and one that has been practised in Australia for only about 30 years. A large portion of locally produces truffles is exported to Europe and Asia, so get your hands on them while you can.

Not sure what to do with them? The great thing about them is they’re a natural flavour enhancer categorised as umami. a savoury tasteas distinguished from sweet, sour, salty or bitter. One pricey little fungus goes a long way – shave over pasta, add a hint to scrambled eggs or store with eggs or rice to naturally infuse these ingredients for egg and rice dishes.

The store packages its truffles like a delicacy the are (priced at about $2.50 per gram), making them the perfect gift for a food-loving friend.

The pop-up store will be open from Thursday to Sunday in July at 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne.

Text by Kirsten Rowlington