Truffles
The Truffle is a fungus that grows underground, we can divide it into two main categories: the white truffle and the black truffle. On the Istrian territory , the biggest and the most popular place to find truffles is the Motovun forest, but truffles can be also found on much smaller areas by almost the entire Istria. Truffles can be found at a depth of approximately 2cm up to 50cm. White truffles can be found only in nature, while black truffles can grow in artificial plantations, therefore their prices are significantly lower than the white.
If we are speaking about the white truffle, in Istria we can find Tuber magnatum Pico (most precious species of truffle). He is known worldwide for its strong flavor and excellent taste. It grows from september till january
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Of the black truffle, in our area are present Tuber nigrum, which grows from november till april.
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Tuber brumale, grows from november till april.
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and Tuber aestivum, which grows from may till august.
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Istrian truffle collectors find truffles with specially trained dogs. Dressing dogs takes a lot of hard work, a dog must show a willingness to work and obedience. In other countries, eg. France, truffle collectors are also using pigs, exept dogs, to find truffles.