'Absolute beast' of a truffle unearthed in Victoria

An Australian has uncovered what is thought to be the largest black truffle ever discovered in the country, a 1.5 kilogram monster that could also be a world-beater.

Stuart Dunbar said he had known since February that a truffle had been growing in the spot where it was found, but its ripening aroma in warmer weather meant he started digging last Thursday.

He said he had no idea of the size of the fungus as he worked for 45 minutes to remove it from the earth at his property in the state of Victoria.