Truffle hunting in Italy, a centuries-old tradition
Truffles: you'll find them in Michelin-starred restaurants, in small trattorias and at market stalls in Italian villages. But what you may not know is that the art of truffle hunting is so special that it was made part of UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage in 2021. In this article, you can read about how this tradition works, where to go and which Italian words you should know if you want to talk about this delicacy.
Rooting around the forest
Truffle hunting is called cerca e cavatura del tartufo in Italian. It is not a hobby, but a profession. The trifolao (truffle hunter) knows the forest, the soil, the seasons and trusts his dog, the cane da tartufo. Together, they set off early in the morning, sometimes to places that have been passed down through generations of the family.
Truffles grow underground, often near the roots of oak, hazel and poplar trees. A well-trained dog can smell where they are. The hunter digs carefully, takes the truffle and leaves the rest of nature undisturbed. This method is sustainable and respectful, just as it has been for centuries.
Underground and unctuous: Where can you find the best truffles?
Famous truffles: there are various types of truffles, each with their own season and region. These are the most well known.
White truffle (tartufo bianco)
Found in Piedmont, especially around Alba. These truffles are particularly rare and aromatic.
Season: October – December
Black truffle (tartufo nero pregiato)
Popular in Umbria, for example in Norcia. This sort of truffle is slightly stronger in flavour.
Season: November – March
Summer truffle (tartufo estivo)
Mainly grows in Tuscany and Le Marche and is more subtle in aroma.
Season: May – August
Every region has its own sagra del tartufo; festivals celebrating truffles.
Forest to fork: How to eat truffles
Italian cuisine is all about quality ingredients. Truffles are no exception. You'll find them in simple classics:
- Tagliolini al tartufo: fresh pasta, butter, wafer-thin truffle
- Risotto al tartufo: creamy risotto with a hint of earthy truffle
- Uova al tegamino con tartufo: fried eggs with truffles on top
A little bit of truffle makes a big difference. As the Italians say: poca, ma buona – little but good.
Language you need for truffle season
Want to talk about truffles in Italian? Then these words will come in handy:
- Il tartufo – the truffle
- Il trifolao – the truffle hunter
- Il cane da tartufo – the truffle dog
- Andare a tartufi – to go truffle hunting
- Grattugiare il tartufo – to grate truffles
- Profumo di tartufo – truffle scent
- Fiera del tartufo/sagra del tartufo – truffle festival
Ever wondered why this tradition has UNESCO status?
Searching for truffles is more than foraging for food. It is a form of cooperation between humans, animals and nature. Knowledge is often passed down within families. Truffle hunters teach their children where to search, how not to damage the soil and how to take good care of the dogs. This tradition earns it a place on UNESCO's intangible heritage list.
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