Truffle is an extremely valuable mushroom, with a characteristic inebriating smell, renamed the black gold or white gold of gastronomy. Not everyone knows that there are precise rules for truffle hunting: the steps to follow to become true truffle hunters are few and simple, let’s see them together.
First, it takes passion.
Yes, it takes passion for nature, dogs (the protagonists of the truffle hunt), and then it takes attention to detail, respect for the rules and so much dedication and patience, but… it is always worth it…
Truffle hunters’ license
In order to truffle hunt regularly, it is mandatory to have obtained the truffle license for which a test is held. During this exam you will have to answer questions about the world of truffles. The test is not impossible to pass, just prepare with a minimum of attention and the topics covered, as well as being very interesting, it allows you to know the regional and national regulations of reference.
Truffle hunting dogs
Smart, fast and with an exceptional sense of smell: these are the truffle hunting dogs, the real protagonists of truffle hunting. Italian law requires truffle hunters to hunt only with trained dogs, but what are the ideal characteristics that a truffle dog should have?
A balanced character, focused on the search for the precious mushroom without being distracted by other smells. The dog must have a splendid relationship with the owner: the good truffle hunter is the one who takes care of his dog, educates him, cares about his health, and knows how to transform truffle hunting into a stimulating and always fun game for his four-legged friend.
There is no better breed than the others. Of course, there are breeds with a greater predisposition for truffle hunting such as: the lagottoRomagnolo, the pointer, the hound, the spinone. Each dog is different from the other so there are no rules, what is important is the training and complicity with the human.
The correct use of “vanghetto” (also called “vanghino”), the truffle shovel.
Truffle hunting takes place on free and uncultivated soils where the truffles grow spontaneously or on soils where the truffles are cultivated (the so-called “tartufaia”). The dog guides the owner towards the truffle and, when he understands that the truffle is a few centimeters from his nose he immediately begins to dig. In this moment the truffle hunter intervenes to avoid damages to the truffle or to prevent the dog from eating it in a single bite… The trufflehunter stops him and continues to dig gently with the shovel. Once the truffle is extracted, the shovel is used to cover the hole with the same soil that has just been moved. This means being respectful to the forest ecosystem and it is also mandatory for all truffle hunters.
At Giuliano Tartufi truffles hunting is firstly passion for this ancient art, love for nature and desire to keep the traditions of our territory unchanged. For these reasons we do not limit ourselves to selling truffles, but we also want to surround you in our magical atmosphere and let you know all the secrets, aromas, and flavors of truffles. In fact, our journey has existed for years.
Discover the #TruffleWorld, an unforgettable experience at our company and into the centuries-old woods that surround us: guided by Giuliano Martinelli, founder and owner of Giuliano Tartufi, and other truffle experts, you will experience the thrill of truffle hunting, thanks to our truffle hunting dogs. You will visit the Giuliano Tartufi company and our laboratory to witness the processing and transformation phases of the fresh product and you will be able to taste the typical products that we have been making for over 30 years, following the traditional recipes of our territory.
For more information call +39 075 946 0079 or send us an email at info@giulianotartufi.it
We look forward to seeing you!
