Truffle Hunting

Fly, pig and dog, the 3 friends of the truffle hunter on the track of truffles.

Truffle Hunting with a fly

Looking for the fly : the idea is to observe a very particular long golden fly that hides among the dead leaves and stones in the truffle fields . the fly lays eggs exactly where the mature truffle is. The truffle hunter will do his work on a sunny day around midday, in his hand a branch of hazelnut tree. He must sort of sweep the ground from right to left to spot exactly from where the insect flies away, that’s where the truffle is.

To succeed you must have a good eyesight and patience.

Truffle Hunting with a pig

the pig has a special instinct for truffles. He will never stop looking for it , with his snout, he searches the soil where a mature truffle is. He’s very cunning and have a privileged relationship with his owner. When he finds the truffle, you have to be very quick and push him away with a stick, a treat will avoid him eating the truffle. I remember when I was a child I followed a « caveur » and his pig near Paussac Saint Vivien in Périgord. In the car, the sow was seating proudly on the passenger seat, what a nice couple they were on their way to the « truffière » !

Truffle hunting with a dog

Some «Truffle hunter» use a dog, a few weeks of training are enough for most dogs. The close relationship with his master and the natural pleasure of a game ,will develop their ability to look for truffles. All breeds can be good for truffles. the dog must be obedient, and he will do what he’s being askde just to please his owner.
Once on the spot, the dog, thanks to his sense of smell, will go straight to where the truffle is and show the place with his paw.
The « caveur » will then dig it out.
Dogs only look for mature truffles.
The key to success is a good training and close relationship between master and dog.

The cultivation of fresh and fragrant truffles in Périgord

The cultivation of truffles is a process which consists in cultivating mainly truffle trees. Many people wonder where do truffles grow: the truffle is an underground fungus that cannot be planted or grown. The tuber is mainly nourished by the nutrients provided by the roots of these mycorrhizal trees, such as the hazel tree, the ash tree or the oak tree.

The truffle is a treasure that nature offers, making them even more appreciable, for example, the black truffle is harvested during the winter season, which earned its name winter truffle. The production of the latter, quality truffle trees are essential to its development. Growing the Périgord black truffle requires planting truffle trees in well-draining soil and exposure to the sun which will warm the soil when spring arrives.

Quality underground mushrooms thanks to favorable conditions

The planting of truffle trees is done in a soil that meets the criteria and certain conditions for the ideal production of truffles. The cultivation of these tree plantations where do truffles grow takes place in favorably acclimatized soil.

Black and white truffle digging is carried out with the help of a truffle dog or a truffle pig, in order to locate and identify the underground fungus more easily. The harvest of these natural products is done when it has reached maturity. Spotting truffles is also possible by naturally taking advantage of the flies that alight at the exact spot where the truffle is.

Alain Truffes invites you to discover the aromas and flavors of this fresh product thanks to the recipes made by the producer, on condition of reserving a table. You will also be able to benefit from their experience and their know-how by enjoying a guided and commented tour of the estate while learning all about the place where do truffles grow.

Retrouvez nos produits à la truffe dans notre boutique :