Autumn is also the time for truffle picking, among many other tasks. In Slovenian Istria, most of the black summer truffles are grown, but the white truffles, which are harvested between September and January, remain the most prized. The variety of truffles also includes small white truffles, known as bianchetti, which grow in March and are not as highly regarded as the larger white
Truffles - precious underground mushrooms
Truffles are valuable underground mushrooms that come from the genus Tuber. They were classified as a fungus in 1593 by Andrea Cesalpino, an Italian botanist, anatomist and physician. Truffles are special in that they only thrive on the roots of certain tree species with which they grow in harmony or symbiosis. In this way, they benefit from each other; the truffle extracts the necessary sugars from the tree's roots and supplies the tree with water, sodium, potassium and other beneficial minerals.
The truffle grows from spores - small seeds left over from a truffle that grew here before, or inadvertently brought by one of the animals that feed on them, such as snails.
-
They start introducing dogs to truffle hunting from a young age - first by mixing their food with truffle pieces, and later by taking them hunting with older dogs that have already been trained. Photo: Zdenko Kocjančič
-
A dog can smell a truffle at about 50 metres, and some dogs can detect this aromatic tuber at 150 metres. Photo: Zdenko Kocjančič
-
Truffles grow in symbiosis with the roots of certain trees such as oak, chestnut and beech. Photo: Zdenko Kocjančič
-
In culinary circles, truffles have become an indispensable ingredient for gourmets. Photo: Kristina Jurman
Truffle hunting
Truffles are known for their unique flavour and aroma and are one of the most appreciated ingredients in the culinary world.
Finding truffles is a complex process that requires experience and knowledge.
Traditionally, truffles were searched for with the help of specialised dogs or pigs that had a sense of smell for truffles. These animals made it easier to find truffles as they emitted a distinctive smell when they approached the truffles. Today, other methods are also used, such as the use of special devices that detect the smell of truffles.
-
Truffles have a unique taste and aroma that make them so appreciated in the culinary world. Photo: Kristina Jurman
-
Ripening takes between 5 and 8 weeks, but can take longer depending on the type of truffle, soil type and climate. Photo: Zdenko Kocjančič
-
A particular characteristic is the smell, which is much more pronounced than that of 'above-ground' mushrooms. Photo: Kristina Jurman
Searching with dogs or pigs
Truffles go into the forest in the early morning when the ground is still moist, allowing the scent of the truffle to penetrate the air better. They search the forest with the help of their dogs or pigs and follow the scent of the truffles. When a truffle is discovered, they carefully dig it up, taking care not to damage it.
Unique taste and aroma
Truffles have a unique taste and aroma that make them so appreciated in the culinary world. The flavour of black truffles is rich, earthy and nutty, with a delicate spiciness. White truffles, on the other hand, have a slightly more delicate flavour with notes of garlic, onion and white wine. Both have an aroma that is difficult to describe and is recognisable among the other ingredients.
Truffles go well with many dishes. They add a unique flavour to pasta, risotto, sauces, salads, eggs, meat, fish and many other dishes.
Their subtle aroma enhances other flavours and makes dishes unforgettable. In culinary circles, they have become an indispensable ingredient for gourmets. The price of truffles varies from season to season, ranging from EUR 1 000 to EUR 6 000 per kilo.
Date: 8. October 2024
Time to read: 3 min
