The Magic of Abruzzo Blog
"We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us." Anonymous
|
TRUFFLES - it seems most people either love them or hate them, but truthfully, I’m not sure how many people have actually tried them!! Sometimes the smell will steer you away. Personally, I think the first time I tried a truffle was a chocolate truffle! That’s not the same as the ones we are talking about here. Chocolate truffles originated in France in 1895 and it was here that the ball of chocolate ganache dusted with cocoa received the name, truffle. As it turns out, chocolate truffles are named after the mushrooms because of their resemblance to the dark and bumpy mushroom. So let’s talk about the mushroom truffles. They are actually a spore or fungus growing wild and nearly always found at the roots of certain trees. Truffles have a very unique, earthy taste and an even rarer aroma. Truffles are highly regarded in many countries. Is there only one kind of truffle? No, there are several different kinds of truffles. There is the prized white truffle (Tuber magnatum pico), black truffle (Tuber melanosporum), two varieties of summer truffle (Tuber aestivum), winter truffle (Tuber brumale) and the bianchetto truffle (Tuber borchii). Why are they so expensive? Truffles are so expensive because mankind cannot cultivate them. They are wild and difficult to find. Because they have a distinct taste they are highly desired in the culinary world. How do you eat them? Truffles are usually grated or sliced with a truffle slicer directly on to food and into sauces or soups, just before eating. The heat will damage the flavor and aroma so don’t cook them! Cream cheese or other cheese dishes are excellent with truffles. A few ideas: Shaved on eggs, grated in butter with bacon and mushrooms over pasta, truffled potatoes or truffle risotto. You can add grated truffle to unsalted butter or infuse olive oil to add to your favorite chicken or fish dish. Where can we find truffles? Most of the best truffles are found in Italy, France and the Pacific Northwest. Abruzzo produces 60% of Italian truffles including the prestigious white truffle. This amazing region is full of wild truffles that are just waiting for us to find them. Truffles are more commonly found growing on the roots of oak, poplar, hazel and beech trees. We have been lucky enough to go with Fausto our local truffle hunter. He has taken over a forest that was specifically planted for truffles. Here in Abruzzo, the Romagno Lagotto dog is the most common dog used for the hunt. They are excellent working dogs because of their attitude and physical capacities. Their great sense of smell, paired with their memory, help them to perform truly amazing searches. And because of their temperament and loyalty, the Romagno Lagotto makes a wonderful family dog. Dogs are often used to find truffles for two reasons, firstly, they can smell truffles making them much easier to find, and secondly, by digging they’re spreading the spores, leading to new truffle growth. (While pigs are used, too, they tend to eat the truffles.) How can I get involved in a Truffle Hunt? Experiencing the truffle hunt is like no other. Fausto and his family use their land on the outskirts of Raiano to harvest the truffles and sell them to famous chefs around Italy and recently they have started taking small private groups for hikes in the forest and to experience the truffle hunt. Often times he will start the day with a short hike through the countryside before the hunt. During the hunt, he will introduce you to the dogs and explain a bit about truffles and how the dogs are trained to find them. Then off you go!! Try to keep up with the dogs because they go fast! After hunting for truffles Fausto’s wife sets out a beautiful table in the outdoors with various dishes using the truffles that you find. If there are any truffles left over, they’re happy for you to take them home. If you’ve always wanted to meet the dogs and search for truffles, we will be happy to organize a private truffle hunt with Fausto and his dogs. With its breathtaking scenery, four national parks plus beaches along the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo is truly extraordinary. Experience it all, Stay at La Rocca Mia House B&B in the Heart of Authentic Unspoiled Italy and Join us for the Truffle Hunt. Email us today: [email protected]
Pamela Jackson
6/29/2020 07:49:47 am
Hi Margaret & Domenico! Comments are closed.
|
About the authorThis blog is curated by Margaret Gigliotti, B&B owner, teacher, explorer, wine drinker and creative writer. Looking for ideas of places to visit in Abruzzo. Download our free guide of the best places most people miss.
Categories |