We love truffles in all their forms, there is just something so magical about the way these delightful tubers (not mushrooms!) end up on our table. Part of the magic comes from the way truffles are harvested which is a truly unique experience, so let’s talk about what it’s like to go truffle hunting in Piemonte.
Why Piemonte?
First of all, why are we talking specifically about Piemonte and truffles?
Well, while you will find truffles from other regions of Italy as well as France, the Piedmont white truffle is the standout variety. The pale, creamy tartufo bianco and its distinctive flavor is highly sought after, with prices consistently thousands of euro per kilogram.
Within the Piedmont region, the white truffles of Alba are the absolute pinnacle of quality and flavor. While excellent black truffles are found in various locations in Piemonte, it’s in the forests around the town of Alba that are home to the special white truffles. The truffles grow around the roots of the trees in the hills, fed by the fertile soil and damp conditions.
This means that for truffle hunting, Piemonte is the best place to experience both the truffle hunt itself and taste the incredible black or white truffles!
If you are in the Piedmont region during the fall, be sure to check out the International Alba White Truffle Fair, which runs from mid-October to early December. During this event, you can purchase white truffles, watch truffle cooking classes and learn more about the long history of Piedmont truffle hunting.
The truffle hunter and truffle dog – a perfect partnership
Truffle hunting is a lot more involved than simply walking around the forest picking truffles up.
Firstly, truffles are very resistant to cultivation. You cannot “plant” truffles and then come back to harvest them; they develop with the spread of fungal spores and are fairly deep underground so are not easy to find.
A truffle hunter (called a trifulau in local dialect) will walk through the trees where they know truffles are likely to be and pay attention to small indicators that suggest when truffles are nearby. This is where the truffle-trained dogs play their part; truffle hunters rely on their trained dogs to literally sniff the truffles out.
Originally, hunters used pigs as they have a very keen sense of smell, but it is much harder to stop pigs from eating the truffles they find! While a dog needs to be trained to find truffles, they do far less damage to the truffles and tree roots.
Once the dog has signaled a possible truffle location, the hunter will gently use a thin spade to carefully ease the truffle out of the soil without damaging it. Given the high value of a white truffle, this step is super important!
When does truffle hunting take place?
Different types of truffles are harvested at different points in the year so you have the opportunity to join in with truffle hunting almost year-round. The only time when Piedmont truffle hunting is not permitted is in May and September, to give the forest ecosystem a chance to recover.
If you would like to try finding the prized white truffle, these are harvested between October and February, so you’ll need to arrange your trip for the winter. You can hunt truffles at other times as well, with a number of black truffle varieties also found in Piemonte.
Most of these are ready for harvest in winter, but there is a summer black truffle variety known as Scorzone which you may be lucky enough to find during the hotter months!
We love the truffle hunts that take place in the colder months; there’s something special about the combination of cool, fresh air, the smell of the falling leaves and autumnal light. However, if you have the opportunity to go in summer, you should definitely take it; it’s a completely different experience!
How to have your own truffle hunting experience
Historically, truffle hunting has been a pretty secretive trade. Many expert truffle hunters go out at night on their own, so that if they find a particularly productive area, other hunters won’t know where they’ve gone.
However, in recent years, truffle hunting tours have become a popular activity. Not only are visitors interested in finding out what’s involved in finding truffles, truffle hunters are also able to share their passion for the landscape and environment – not to mention their adorable dogs!
Sometimes it is the case that no truffles are found, but this is the reality for the hunters every day. For us, the chance to walk through a beautiful landscape and learn about an ancient tradition is a huge part of the experience. Plus, you can rely on being able to taste some truffles even if you don’t find any!
Piemonte & Turin are waiting for you!
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy’s northwest with our exclusive Turin and Piemonte tours. Discover the rich history, stunning architecture, and energetic culture of Turin, the elegant capital of Piemonte.
Wander through the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of Piemonte’s renowned wine regions, home to some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco. Whether you’re a history lover, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking an authentic Italian experience, our expertly crafted tours offer a perfect blend of exploration, education, and indulgence.
Join us and uncover the hidden gems and timeless traditions of this captivating region.
Truffle hunting tour FAQs
Here are the answers to the most common questions we get about truffle hunting tours – if your question isn’t answered below, get in touch here!
How much walking is involved?
In our experience, truffle tours can be more active than people expect. You will need to wear shoes with good grip and be prepared to walk up and down hills, over uneven surfaces and through heavily wooded areas.
You won’t be walking a huge distance but you will be on your feet in the forest for some time as the dogs sniff out the truffles.
Do I get to keep the truffles we find?
Generally, no, especially if your hunter finds a white truffle. You may, however, be offered the option to try the hunter’s own truffles after the hunt or to purchase the truffles found.
Can I pet the truffle dogs?
The hunter will talk to you at the start of the experience about the dogs and how not to interfere when they catch the scent of a truffle. However, in general, the dogs are very friendly and responsive so if you want to pet the dogs and the hunter gives the okay, go for it – we always do!
What is the best way to taste truffles?
The Piedmont region is well known for its excellent local cuisine, and truffle is a big part of this. The best white truffle is delicate and fragrant so you want to keep the other elements of the dish relatively simple. Black truffle has a stronger flavor so holds up well to meats and rich pasta dishes. We tend to go with the recommendation of the local chefs, who know these ingredients so well!
Arrange your truffle hunting tour today
The unique culture and cuisine of Piemonte are closely linked to the region’s impressive terrain. From incredible wines to tasty local dishes, there is always something more to discover, and joining a truffle hunting tour is a wonderful way to continue that exploration!
Talk to us today to find out how you can join us during your trip to Italy. Don’t forget we can also create tailored experiences according to your needs, so why not combine a truffle hunting tour with wine tasting, one of our wine tours or a very special lunch?
