NEW YORK, NY.- On Saturday 6 December 2014 at 9.15am in New York, Sotheby’s will offer the largest white truffle in the world. The truffle was discovered just last week in central Italy by Sabatino Truffles, one of the oldest and largest truffle suppliers. Weighing in at a massive 4.16 pounds.

(1.89 kilos) when discovered, it is nearly twice the size of the existing record holder, which was sold for $417,200 in 2010. This extraordinary tuber is being offered by the Balestra family of Sabatino Truffles. Bidding is expected to start at $50,000, and the Balestra family plans to donate proceeds to a number of charitable organizations, including Citymeals-onWheels and the Children’s Glaucoma Foundation.

A white truffle is the rarest and most coveted food ingredient in the world. They are found only by using specially trained dogs in specific areas of Italy during the months of October, November, and December. Interested bidders can participate in the auction in a number of ways, including online at sothebys.com.

The sale of the truffle will be immediately followed by Sotheby’s Wine auction which features lots ranging from $200 to $60,000 including The Magnificent Cellar of Dr. Ed Planz and Verticals and Large Format Direct from Paul Jaboulet Aîné. Full details of the lots on offer and how to bid can be found at www.sothebys.com/wine.