Magic truffles

Catalogue of magic truffle varieties

The catalogue covers a range spanning from species with centuries of documented use —such as Psilocybe mexicana, a cornerstone of Mesoamerican ethnobotany and the subject of Hofmann's earliest studies— to contemporary Dutch commercial selections such as Psilocybe hollandia and Psilocybe utopia. Each variety presents a distinct alkaloid profile in terms of concentration and psilocybin/psilocin ratio, allowing for comparison of specimens with differentiated chemical characteristics. The catalogue is updated based on the availability and quality of material.

Biology of psilocybian sclerotia

Unlike fruiting bodies —which emerge, sporulate and die within days or weeks—, sclerotia can remain viable underground for months, storing nutrients and bioactive compounds in a dense, compact matrix.

This density is what distinguishes them in practical terms: lower water content, greater chemical stability and a longer shelf life under refrigeration conditions. Their alkaloid profile —dominated by psilocybin and psilocin in variable proportions depending on the species— is well documented in the mycological literature. Both compounds act on the serotonin receptors of the central nervous system, particularly the 5-HT₂A receptor, which accounts for the perceptual and cognitive alterations documented in contemporary neuroscience studies. This makes them one of the most widely used reference materials in the study of psychoactive compounds of the genus Psilocybe.

The species in the catalogue have accumulated very different layers of nomenclature: some carry ancestral names linked to centuries of ritual use —such as Teonanácatl for P. mexicana, a Nahuatl term translating as "flesh of the gods" that appears in the first ethnobotanical descriptions by R. Gordon Wasson in the nineteen-fifties—; others bear purely commercial denominations coined by the Dutch industry of the nineteen-nineties, such as "Philosopher's Stone" for P. tampanensis, a name chosen for the introspective and reflective character attributed to it.

Which magic truffle variety to choose

The available varieties are classified according to their documented potency and the proportion of their active compounds. The following table facilitates comparative selection based on the intensity of each specimen: The following table guides selection according to the documented intensity of each variety:

The exact concentration varies according to the batch and cultivation conditions.

Effects and doses of magic truffles

The clinical and ethnobotanical literature documents the following effects based on the dose administered in adults (expressed in grams of fresh sclerotium):

Effects typically onset between 20 and 60 minutes after ingestion and may last between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the variety, dose and metabolic state of the individual.

How to store magic truffles

Fresh sclerotia are living organisms and require specific conditions to maintain their viability and alkaloid composition.

• Temperature: between 2 and 4 °C under refrigeration. Do not freeze — the freezing process damages the cellular structure and degrades the active compounds.
• Packaging: keep in the original sealed packaging until the moment of use. Once opened, use within the following days.
• Shelf life: in vacuum-sealed packaging and optimal refrigeration conditions, sclerotia can be kept for several weeks without significant loss of properties.
• Storage: keep out of reach of minors, pets and anyone who might confuse them with another product. Store in the original packaging, correctly labelled.

Guides and resources on magic truffles and psilocybin

The Mushverse blog offers specific resources on magic truffles, from their biology and chemistry to the legal framework and responsible use:

• Differences between magic truffles and psychedelic mushrooms — comparative biology, potency and legal framework.
• Legal map of psilocybin in 2026 — what is permitted in each country and what risks to be aware of.
• Complete guide to psilocybian mushroom alkaloids — chemical composition, profiles by species and factors determining alkaloid concentration.
• What is psilocybin and what effects does it produce — mechanism of action, neurobiology and effect profile.
• Set and setting — how to prepare a safe psychedelic experience: substance, environment, mental state and companion.
• What are psilocybin microdoses — protocol, available evidence and practical considerations.
• Risks and contraindications of psilocybin — clinical contraindications and pharmacological interactions.

Frequently asked questions about magic truffles

What exactly are magic truffles?

Psilocybian sclerotia are underground structures of the mycelium of certain species of the genus Psilocybe. They develop as a reserve mechanism when the fungus cannot fruit at the surface. Their popular name —magic truffles— refers to their psilocybin content, the main psychoactive alkaloid of the genus. At a taxonomic level, these sclerotia do not share an evolutionary family with traditional culinary truffles of the genus Tuber.

How long do magic truffles last?

Fresh and in sealed packaging, between two and four weeks under refrigeration at 2–4 °C. Once the packaging is opened, it is advisable to use them within the following days. They should not be frozen.

Can you buy magic truffles online in Europe?

The legal framework varies significantly between countries. In some EU member states, such as the Netherlands, psilocybian sclerotia have a legal status differentiated from mushrooms, being considered a distinct vital phase of the fungus. In others, regulations on psilocybin and psilocin may also apply to sclerotia.

The commercialisation of this catalogue complies with the applicable framework in each case: products are sold exclusively for decorative, ornamental or mycological study purposes, with no intended use for human consumption. It is the buyer's responsibility to verify the regulations in force in their country before making any purchase.

What is the difference between magic truffles and psilocybian mushrooms?

Both belong to the same organism but are distinct structures. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies; sclerotia are underground reserve structures. Sclerotia have lower water content, greater chemical stability and a longer shelf life under refrigeration.