Guess who is not affected by the economic crunch these days? No it's not another millionaire it's actually a white truffle that fetched $200,000 at a recent auction. This prized tuber weighing just over 1kg (2.2lb) went to Hong Kong-born casino mogul Stanley Ho after an auction held simultaneously in Rome, London, Abu Dhabi, and Macau. This is the second year in a row he has managed to clinch the auction. This truffle was specially flown first class with an Italian chef for this auction in Rome. The truffle was picked on November 21st from the central Molise Region.

Output of white truffles, which only grow naturally in forests, has fallen in Italy over the past few years, largely because climate change has brought a damaging mix of drought and torrential rains. Thus pushing the prices for normal-sized truffles above 4,000 euros ($5,176) for one kg. Truffles are prized in Italian cooking for their flavor and aroma. It is no wonder then that Ho who made a record by buying last years truffle for $330,000 was back again this year to make another record of sorts.

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