Where Can Truffles Be Found?

Truffles are considered a valuable specialty. However, they are difficult to obtain. So it seems more interesting to look for them yourself. But where are the mushrooms and how do you find them? Some tips can be found here.

To the point

• underground mushrooms
• rare to find
• most likely in deciduous forests
• use of truffle pigs or dogs useful
• cultivation of some truffle species possible

Way of life of truffles

The fruiting bodies grow exclusively underground, so they are rarely seen. In addition, the fungi always need a partner with which they can form a symbiosis. Depending on the truffle species, these are different trees, mostly deciduous trees, but also other plants.

Other characteristics:

• roundish, tuberous shape, reminiscent of potatoes
• black or white coloring
• marbled inside
• outer skin rind-like, more or less wrinkled, scabby or with bumps
• odor varies depending on the species, usually aromatic

Truffle species

• Summer truffle (Tuber aestivum): July to December, under copper beeches or oaks
• Perigord truffle (Tuber melanosporum): October to February, under oaks, from southern France
• Large spurred truffle (Tuber macrosporum), Rhenish truffle: under oaks, lost in Europe, from France or Italy
• Italian truffle (Tuber magnatum): October to May under deciduous trees, from Southern Europe
• Meandering truffle (Choiromyces maeandriformis), white or European truffle: July to October, under copper beech,

Tips for truffle hunting

finding place

Finding mushrooms is not always easy in principle. With the various species of truffles it is even more difficult. Not only because they are altogether very rare and grow underground, but also because they depend on soils with a certain mineral composition. In Europe, the mushrooms are found in every state except Saxony and the three city-states. Most truffle species like it warm, so they tend to grow in the south rather than the north. Indicators of truffle locations may be other mushrooms such as spring morels.

indications at the location

Although the fruiting bodies can only be found in certain seasons or months, it is worth looking for certain signs of possible sites throughout the year:

• cracks and small holes in the ground under trees
• bare spots or spots with dead grass (looks like burnt)
• ground churned up by wild boars

Note: The valuable mushrooms do not necessarily grow in the forest. They can also be found in clearings or even in meadows.

pay attention to the weather

In dry, hot summers mushrooms are very rare. This is also true for all species of truffles, which prefer moist and loose soil. It makes more sense to search in warmer periods after persistent rain.

search methods

The fruiting bodies of these mushrooms are not easy to find during a walk in the forest. More effort is needed in the search. The ground must be searched very thoroughly to detect any bumps or “burnt” areas. The individual fruiting bodies are very rarely found on the surface of the ground and then mainly when wild boars have scoured the soil. A rake or small shovel can be used to get the fruiting bodies out of the ground.

remember places of finding

If the mushrooms grow in a certain location and are easy to find there, it is worth remembering this location. Usually the fruiting bodies grow again every year in about the same place.

truffle pigs or dogs

Since the fruiting bodies are always hidden in the ground, many truffle collectors use pigs or dogs that are specially trained. Sometimes you can borrow these “helpers”. Dogs are better than pigs, because they like to eat the mushrooms themselves.

Note: Training your own dog usually takes too long and is too costly.

grow your own truffles

More promising than the search for truffles is the own cultivation. Necessary for this are:

• an appropriately large plot of land
• a lot of time and patience
• the will to invest money first
• specially inoculated trees

For truffle cultivation, trees are needed that have been inoculated with truffle spores. These are available from dealers who specialize in them. Growth takes 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of tree. Only then can the first fruiting bodies be harvested. However, there is no guarantee that truffles really grow on these trees. It also depends on the soil and the nutrient supply. Moreover, not all species of truffles can be grown in this way.

truffle hunting in other countries

Especially in France or Italy there are the mushrooms to find. However, it is important to observe the regional regulations for truffle hunters. Sometimes these can be very strict.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tips for proper use of the mushrooms?

Usually the truffles are used fresh. After gathering, brush the mushrooms well and, if necessary, rinse them briefly. Then put them directly over the food with a fine slicer. Some types of truffles can be cooked, others lose their aroma.

How long can the fresh fruiting bodies be kept?

Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep for a few days. It is best to wrap the mushrooms in a damp kitchen towel. Freezing is also possible. Then they will keep for several months.