Truffles
A Festival of Truffles
Truffles, Those rare funguses sniffed out in deciduous European forests by hounds or pigs are coveted by many and afforded by few. They are celebrated in Michelin starred restaurants the world over, so to introduce the less wealthy, but equally curious gastronome to the delights of the much-esteemed tuber, festivals of truffles are celebrated across the globe for everyone to enjoy.
France – French culture rivalled only by that of Italy emphasises hugely on food and cooking, not just as a past time but also a way of life. For many years the French have celebrated the black perigold truffle (Tuber Melanosporum) at festivals from Dordogne to Provence, the area of the country where truffles are traditionally hunted. During the truffle season that runs from November to early February there are several truffle festivals in this region, consisting of markets, cookery demonstrations and often an auction and feast where black diamonds, the nickname of the Perigold, make up an ingredient of each course of a lavish menu.
Italy – The Italians play host to a truffle festival that celebrates the white truffle (Tuber Magnatum) at Alba in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Here, it is said that white truffles, which are in season during the winter months, are superior to the black truffle of southern France. At the Alba Festival chef’s and foodies visit the fair and market to buy truffle oil, cream, butter and truffle-infused sauces, and for general food-based merriment. There is an invitation only auction where the ‘white diamonds’ can sell up to £2000 per lb and, of course, a lavish, truffle based dinner.
Mundaring Truffle Festival, Western Australia – In July each year a truffle festival takes place in this town in Western Australia where truffles have been successfully cultivated to celebrate the black truffle. The food is celebrated in cooking demo’s and master classes and there are truffle dog trials, where the dogs used to hunt the truffles, show spectators their work. Food stalls and competitions complete this very inclusive festival where children are encouraged to take part in games such as guess the weight of the truffle. The winner in the 2010 competition correctly guessed 32.6 grams, which priced at AUS$3000 is an expensive lot of Australian truffle.
Napa, California, USA – Famous for its wine production, the fertile Napa Valley in Southern California holds a festival to celebrate truffles during December each year. Chefs, Truffle Scientists and Foodies celebrate two types of truffle, the Black Perigold and the Black Summer Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum/uncinatum). During the festivals there are informative and tasty demonstrations celebrating all that is truffle. Truffle scientists give talks on truffle cultivation and there are cookery shows and truffle based stalls for visitors to sample the fungus of their choice. On the Saturday night of the festival weekend there is a six-course truffle banquet, devised and prepared by a Michelin starred chef, making for the highlight of a delicious weekend.
About the Author
If you enjoy fine dining, why not try some delicious truffle oil in your cooking, or even buy some fresh black truffles online fresh from Italy.
Black Truffles
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