Bucket list experience:
San Miniato, Tuscany, Italy
Don’t leave with trying the local truffles
Of all the food and wine ingredients indigenous to Tuscany, the white truffle is probably the most highly-prized – yet it’s one of those things that you will either love or hate; it has a heady yet strange, earthy, musky aroma and a delicate flavour that lends itself particularly well to eggs and buttery tagliolini pasta
Different types of truffles grow year-round in Tuscany and in various areas, the most prolific of which are San Miniato, the Mugello and the Crete Senese. They are, however, elusive. White truffles will only thrive in just the right conditions, growing on the roots of trees and normally hidden by layers of damp leaves and earth.
A truffle hunt with an expert trifulau (truffle hunter) and his dog is a compelling way to discover how the truffle-hunting world works. The stakes are high – white truffles sell for huge amounts of money. In 2007, a 1.28kg tuber sold at auction in the US for an astonishing $330,000.
The most highly prized of Tuscany’s rich food harvest, the white truffle is also the most elusive. An expert-led truffle hunt is an ideal way to discover and taste these extraordinary tubers.
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Destination Guide >The whereabouts of these elusive tubers is a closely-guarded secret, even among truffle-hunters who guard their own patch jealously. It’s not something that visitors can do independently; you must sign up for a tour either with a group or individually.
Given that truffle hunts usually take place in the autumn and in woods, layers of clothing are advisable as well as good, robust walking shoes or boots. The woods can be muddy.
The seasons are as follows: January to April (the marzuolo or spring truffle), June to November (scorzone or black summer truffle, and late September to December for the elusive, highly-prized white truffle or tartufo bianco.
Truffles are celebrated at the region’s seasonal festivals and markets where you can purchase and eat your fill. The most famous is in San Miniato (between Florence and Pisa) in the last three weekends of November. In the Mugello area north of Florence, a festival is held in Barberino on the last weekend of October, and in Scarperia the first two weekends in September.
In San Giovanni d’Asso (south of Siena), there are festivals on the second and third weekends of November.
Certaldo, Tuscany, Italy
An excellent cooking school based in Certaldo (southwest of Florence) offering truffle-hunting experiences in the Chianti woods, followed by a truffle-based lunch or cooking lessons with truffles.
Best for ages: 13+ | £120 | 3-4 hours
San Miniato, Tuscany, Italy
In a lovely countryside setting just outside San Miniato, this mod-rustic restaurant serves up the dishes such as fresh tagliolini and poached eggs liberally scattered with truffle shavings.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
San Miniato, Tuscany, Italy
Seasonal truffle dishes (beef carpaccio with white truffle shavings, porcini mushroom flan with a cheesy, truffle-infused sauce) in a contemporary setting by the cathedral in San Mianato.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Montanelli, Tuscany, Italy
Four generations of the Savini family have hunted truffles, and their ‘Truffle Experience’ tours take guests into the woods to watch the highly-trained dogs at work before returning to feast on truffle-based specialities. Can also be combined with wine-tasting at the nearby Monterosola winery.
Best for ages: 13+ | £100 | 4 hours
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Florence
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Tuscany, Italy
The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.
