Puglia’s ‘Tartufo’ hunting (and eating) is gaining a following
While Northern and Central Italy is famously known for truffle hunting, Puglia has a surprising and growing reputation for that beautiful edible fungus known for its distinctive aroma and taste. What a great way to combine the ‘thrill of the hunt’ with culinary goodness.
Puglia has Ideal Climate and Soil Condition for Truffles
Truffles, particularly black truffles, thrive in alkaline, calcium-rich soils. Puglia’s geology is largely characterized by vast stretches of limestone, which provides the ideal pH and mineral composition.
While Puglia is known for its dry, hot summers, the area benefits from specific rainfall patterns. Truffles need consistent moisture, especially during their growth phase in summer, followed by cooler, damp conditions for ripening in autumn and winter. Puglia’s climate, particularly in its internal and hilly areas, can provide these conditions. Puglia also benefits from an encompassing system of underground rivers that supply the region with water.” This subterranean water supply is crucial for truffle development.
Puglia has the motherlode of host trees. Truffles form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain trees. Puglia is abundant in oak, hazelnut, holm oak, and sometimes pine and poplar trees, all of which are excellent hosts for various truffle species.
What kind of Truffles are in Puglia?
Puglia is increasingly recognized for its black truffles. This includes the summer black truffle (Tuber aestivum Vitt. or “scorzone”) and the winter black truffle (Tuber brumale Vitt. or “nero pregiato”). There’s also the bianchetto truffle (Tuber borchii Vitt.), a less valuable but still sought-after white-ish truffle. The presence of multiple species means that truffle hunting can extend across different seasons.
In recent years, there’s been a significant increase in interest and activity. Local truffle hunters are revealing more of Puglia’s potential, and dedicated truffle farms are being established. Areas that were previously overlooked are now being explored and yielding results.
Is there a season for hunting Truffles in Puglia?
Three varieties of Truffles means you could hunt and eat them -almost any time of year
Black Summer Truffle (Tuber aestivum/scorzone): Generally found from late May/June through August/September. This is the most common truffle found in Puglia.
Black Winter Truffle (Tuber brumale/nero pregiato): Typically found from November/December through March.
Bianchetto Truffle (Tuber borchii): Can be found from January to April.
How are Truffles used in cooking?
Truffles have a complex, earthy flavor often described as savory and umami-rich. Nutty and garlic noes are also common.
Truffles can elevate the flavor of many dishes. They may be used as a garnish or featured on Pasta or Risotto, Eggs, Meat, Potatoes, sauces and even on desserts like ice cream, or over chocolate confections. They are often added to cheeses and salt. Truffles pair especially well with butter, garlic wine and earthy flavors.
Shaved or Grated: Truffles are often shaved thinly to add flavor, aroma, and texture to dishes.
Infused: Truffles may be infused into oil as a convenient way to add depth of flavor
How expensive are truffles?
Prices range according to species, origin, supply and demand and quality of the harvest. They can be as expensive as the Italian Alba truffle $150-$1000 per ounce or a more common truffle that may sell between $5 and $300 per ounce.
What do I need to know about Truffle Hunting?
- Get a good guide that knows the area and techniques to find truffles and carefully extract them with specialized tools. A guide’s well-trained dogs are also essential to this age-old practice. Be patient- a survey a truffle hunters revealed that only about 20% of hunts result in a truffle find. Enjoy the adventure.
- Wear comfortable clothing, and sturdy shoes. Layering is always a good idea.
- There are national and regional laws that regulate truffle hunting
- Traditional practice and extraction of truffle hunting in Italy is recognized by UNESCO’s intangible Cultural Heritage list
- Look for Truffle festivals and local markets, and restaurants that feature truffles
How do I find a Puglia Truffle Hunting Experience in Puglia?
Puglia-focused tour companies: Look for agencies that specialize in unique experiences in Puglia. They often have connections with local truffle hunters. Some examples that came up in my search include:
WePuglia: Offers Truffle hunting in the Woods of Altamura
Baglioni Masseria Muzza in Otranto: This luxury hotel offers a “Family Truffle Hunting Experience” which includes the hunt, a visit to an orchard, and a cooking class with a truffle-based lunch. Note that this experience is usually offered in combination with a reservation at their resort. Many high-end masserias in Puglia are starting to offer unique activities like this to their guests.
Find local truffle hunters: In Corigliano d’ Otranto, Guiseppe Lolli of the Bake restaurant may be persuaded to guide you in this old-fashioned art. info@bakeristorante.it
