Truffle Hunting in Italy an old age tradition
Truffles are an integral part of Italy’s cuisine, and truffle hunting is an integral part of its culture. It’s a beautiful and simple way of life – the mountains, the truffle hunter, the dogs, the forest, a small pick and a leather bag full of truffles.
Truffles by now are famous all over the world, and fetch a high price, but truffle hunting is about hard work; walking for hours and hours, loving dogs, living an intimate relationship with the land, preserving the forest for future generations, sharing with other families and most of all, respect for a very precious fungus.
Truffles, especially the highly sought after white variety, are the pinnacle of gourmet, usually too expensive for most consumers, except in parts of Northern Italy and Umbria where "tartufi" are a key ingredient in local dishes.
White truffle, is not common nor easy to find; the only places in the world where you can find it are: Northern Italy (Piedmont), Central Italy (Tuscany, Marche, Umbria) and in small areas of Istria and Slovenia. The best, most coveted white truffles are the ones from Alba, Acqualagna and San Miniato.
In this way truffles live a double life: outrageously expensive and used in the highest of high cuisine, and yet harvested in a time-honored tradition that has little to do with gourmet sophistication.
In Piedmont and Umbria, the hearts of truffle country, harvest season is a time of celebration for both truffle harvesters (trifolau) and the towns that host the ever-popular truffle festivals.
A visit to these regions in the Fall will reward the traveler with culinary gold in the form of numerous regional specialties graced with freshly shaved truffles, harvested the previous night or that very morning.
Truffle hunting in Italy is a special experience and with us you can experience the real thing.
Preferred Partner
Member on Site