Which are the Italian Region most suited for truffle?
Let’s say right away that the Italian microclimate allows this mushroom to grow almost everywhere. Those of good quality, on the other hand, are a little more difficult to find, some areas have particularly distinguished themselves over time for the abundance and quality of truffles, creating an economy around the market that this precious product attracts. Celebrate, therefore, the White Truffle of Alba, the White of Acqualagna, the Black of Norcia and the Black of Bagnoli.
Umbria, the Truffle Beating Heart in Central Italy
In Umbria, a fascinating region in the heart of Italy, Truffle is undoubtedly one of the most precious treasures. This underground mushroom, with its intense fragrance and unique taste, can be found in different parts of the region, making Umbria an unmissable destination for truffle lovers from all over the world.
Here there are two major kinds of truffle: Prized Black Truffle (Tubermelanosporum) and Prized White Truffle (Tubermagnatum Pico).Both of them are considered as true world excellences. They are appreciated for their delicacy and their irresistible taste.
Prized Black Truffle, often called “black diamond” because of its value and rarity, is mainly found in central Umbria forests, in the areasaround Norcia and Spoleto. This territory is rich in minerals and its favourable climate creates the ideal conditions for truffle’s growth.
On the other hand, Prized White Truffle is known as “the king of truffles” because of its refinement and intense taste. This underground treasure can mainly be found in the areas of Città di Castello, Pietralungaand Gubbio, in northern Umbria. Hunting it is a true treasure hunt.
Still in the northern part of the region, beyond these two, we can find Scorzone (or summer black truffle) and Uncinatum truffle, that are less valuable but still appreciated protagonists of local and national cuisine.
Umbria is a real paradise for truffle passionates, because it offers a significant quantity of these delicious mushrooms. Thanks to the strict protection policies and to the promotion of a sustainable truffle hunting, the Region succeeded in preserving the excellent quality of its truffles throughout the years.
Therefore, if you are looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, Umbria is the perfect destination. You will discover un underground treasure that smells of genuineness and tradition, a gift from nature that only a few privileged people can taste.
In Tuscany, Prized White Truffle can be found in the area of the Crete Senesi, of San Miniato in Tiberina Valley, in Mugello and in Casentino. Prized Black Truffle can be found in Chianti’s limestones mountaines, in Mugello, in the MontagnolaSenese, in Chiana Valley and in Casentino. Scorzone is often found in limestone grounds covered by oaks and man-made pine forests in the provinces of Arezzo, Firenze, Siena, Grosseto, Pisa, Lucca and Pistoia.
In Marche region the most famous sites areAcqualagnaand Pergola, venues of Prized White Truffle markets of national importance. In Ancona province, the most reknown sites areArcevia, Sassoferrato, Genga, Fabriano e Cerreto. In the province of Macerata, Prized Black Truffle is quite common and also in the province of Ascoli Piceno is abundantely found.
Northern Italy: Alba and Piedmont excellences
Piemonte is known to be the land of Prized White Truffle. The International White Truffle Fair takes place in Alba every year and here we find the headquarters of the National Truffle Study Centre. In this Regionwe can also find Prized Black Truffle, Scorzone, Uncinatum and Brumale. From the Langhe area to the Bormida High Valley in Liguria Region we can go hunting Prized White Truffle and all species of Black Truffle, while Uncinatum Truffle and the other Black Truffles can be found in the Valleys of Scrivia River and in the area of Mount Antolato the Portofino headland.
The Lombardia areas where the presence of truffle is higher are those ofOltrepò Pavese (the Black one between the provinces of Piacenza and Alessandria, the Prized White one and the common Black one down to the course of Po river).Also in Bergamo province we can find good quality Prized BlackTruffle and Scorzone.
Going towards North-East, in Veneto, here we are with the Blsack Truffle in the area of Colli Bericiand Colli Euganei. On Garda hills and on Lessini Mountains, we find Scorzone and Prized Black Truffle, while Brumaleis found in Arsié and Conegliano Veneto. Prized White Truffle, Bianchetto and Scorzone are also found in the area of the Po Delta. In Trentino Alto Adige regione, we find Prized Black Truffle and Scorzone in Vallegarina, in the Lakes Valley and in some areas of Valsugana.
Some species of Tuber can also be found in Friuli Venezia Giulia region, especially in Spilimbergo, Torre Valleys and Cividale areas (Prized White, Prized Black).
Northern Italy: Alba and Piedmont excellences
Southern Italy too is a land rich in good quality trafflues, each one with its distinguishing charachteristics. Regions like Calabria, Basilicata, Apulia and Sicily offer a unique truffle variety, enriching local cooking with their distinctive scent and taste.
In Calabria, we can find the renowned Prized Black Truffle (Tubermelanosporum), which is appreciated for its intense scent and delicate texture. The main hunting areas involve Sila and the National Park of Pollino. Here, within the leafy branches of oaks and beeches, you can live an exciting experience hunting this precious mushroom.
On the other hand, in Basilicata, Prized white Truffle stands out. Melfi’s area and Mount Vulture offer the ideal environment for hte growth of this exquisite species. Its rich scent and unique taste make it a true jewel of the local cuisine.
Apulia, offers Summer Black Truffle (Tuberaestivum), instead. This is appreciated for its strong character and earthy scent. Truffle hunting areas go from Gargano toMurgia, offering the possibility of tasting Apulian traditional dishes enriched with this luxury ingredient.
Last but not least Sicily delights visitors with Prized Black Truffle and Prized White Truffle, both found in some areas of the Island. Hunting these species among Sicilian hills is a really charming experience for truffle lovers..
