During truffle hunting trips in the Langhe of Piedmont and in the woods of Umbria, our truffle hunters are always looking for the best raw material for the production of our truffle-based specialties.
For several centuries, man – accompanied by his faithful friend, the dog – has dedicated himself to the search for truffles.
Since the truffle is a hypogeal fungus, that is, it grows under the ground (even several centimeters), its search requires special preparation and the help of dogs trained in the search, capable of finding the precious tuber near the roots of the trees that the truffle prefers for its growth.
Italy, together with France, is the main country in the world for truffle harvesting and processing. Fungo e Tartufo mainly selects truffles collected by hunters in the Piedmontese Langhe, in Umbria, Tuscany and in the Marche.
Truffle hunting takes place throughout the year, but in the different seasons, based on the hunting areas, we will find different species of truffle at maturity.
The trees near which truffles are searched are different: in particular, we can find the precious tuber near walnut, pine, poplar, hornbeam, fir or chestnut trees, but also under ash, elm, maples, broom, hazelnut or oak trees.
For truffle hunting, dogs must be specially trained. There are some breeds that have proven to be particularly suitable for accompanying man in this activity in the woods.
Alongside a truffle hunter you can find Beagle, Bracco, Breton, Cocker, Labrador, Lagotto Romagnolo, Pointer or Setter dogs.
Not just dogs
In past centuries, truffle hunting also saw the use of pigs, animals that were however abandoned over the course of history because – very fond of truffles – they tried to eat every tuber they found.
Tuber Æstivum Vitt
The most prized truffle
Marzuolo truffle
Truffle of Norcia and Spoleto
Winter truffle
