GASTRONOMY

Connoisseur’s Guide to Truffles

umbria-truffles_4
Written by Aksel Ritenis

umbria-truffles_4Truffles grow on the roots of truffle oaks, often less than 30 cm below the surface. To date, no one has been able to cultivate truffles: they grow randomly in certain regions (44 – 46 degrees north latitude). The more truffle oak seedlings are planted, the more chances exist for harvesting some.

Since truffles cannot be seen, specially trained sows and dogs are employed to find the elusive tubers, Sows love to eat them and have a keen sense of smell, but because of their size, transportation tends to be cumbersome, also once they start digging, it is difficult to stop them to retrieve the truffle. Many “hunters” prefer specially trained dogs that are easier to control.

About the author

Aksel Ritenis

Leave a Comment