Ross Nicolette, age 8, of Sarasota, Fla., for his question:

WHAT ARE TRUFFLES?

A truffle is a kind of fungus that grows underground and is used as food.

Truffles vary from a quarter of an inch to four inches in length and diameter. They resemble walnuts or potatoes.

Growing from three to 12 inches below the ground, truffles have their spores borne within the tuberlike fungus. It is believed that they help tree roots take in chemicals from the soil.

Truffles can be found growing wild in England, France and other European countries. They have a delicious taste and serve as a condiment.

Dogs and pigs are specially trained to hunt for truffles. A pig can smell a truffle from a distance of 20 feet and will run quickly to the spot and dig it out.