Fresh black truffles are among the most coveted ingredients in world gastronomy. This delicious and aromatic subterranean fungus has been highly prized by chefs and food lovers for centuries. However, the cultivation of black truffles has been a closely guarded secret for many years.
In this blog, we will explain how fresh truffles are grown , from site selection to the harvesting process.
Site selection
Growing fresh black truffles is a complex process that requires a suitable location, suitable soil, and the right environmental conditions. Choosing good land is one of the most important factors to consider. Some key factors to keep in mind when choosing the right land include:
Soil type
Black truffles prefer calcareous, well-drained soil. Soil pH is also important, with a range of 7 to 8 recommended. The soil should have a loose, well-aerated texture to allow the tree roots to grow easily.
Altitude
The altitude of the land is also important. Fresh black truffles grow best at altitudes between 300 and 1000 meters above sea level. Altitude affects temperature and humidity, and it is important to find the right balance to obtain optimal truffle production.
Climate
Climate is another important factor in truffle cultivation. Black truffles prefer temperate, humid climates with at least 600-700 mm of annual rainfall. The climate should be humid enough to maintain adequate soil moisture, but not so humid as to cause drainage problems.
Tree type for fresh black truffle
The black truffle can form a symbiotic relationship with a wide variety of plants, but very few are commonly used. The main ones are oak, hazel, and, most often, holm oak, which is a good option as it thrives in the Mediterranean climate. When choosing a site for planting truffle trees, it is important to select an area where these tree species grow well and are in their natural habitat.
Land history
The history of the land is also important. Land that has previously supported cereal crops, legumes, or forage crops (those used as animal feed, such as alfalfa), as well as fruit trees (except hazelnut), will have good potential. Land that has been previously cultivated for other purposes, such as intensive agriculture, may have soil and drainage problems that make truffle cultivation difficult. It is important to look for land that has not been treated with toxic chemicals or pesticides in the past.
Once these factors have been considered, a thorough assessment of the land should be carried out before planting the truffle trees. This may include soil tests to determine the soil composition and pH, as well as drainage tests to ensure the land has good drainage capacity. The topography of the land and sun exposure should also be taken into account.
Land preparation
Once a suitable plot of land has been selected, the soil must be prepared for planting the truffle trees. This involves clearing the ground of weeds and stones and preparing the soil for planting the trees.
Black truffles need well-drained, aerated, and nutrient-rich soil to grow properly. Some of the steps that should be followed are:
Soil analysis
Before beginning any work on the land, it is important to conduct a soil analysis to determine its properties and fertility. This information will allow you to correct any soil deficiencies and ensure a good quality substrate.
Land clearing
Remove vegetation and stones from the site. If the site is very steep, it may be necessary to level it.
Plow
It is recommended to plow the soil to loosen and aerate it. If the soil is very hard, a rotary tiller can also be used.
Add nutrients
It's important to add organic fertilizer to the soil to enrich it with nutrients. Organic fertilizer helps improve soil structure and increase water retention capacity.
Adjust the pH
Soil pH is also important for truffle growth. The ideal pH range is between 7.5 and 8.5. If the soil pH is too low or too high, it needs to be corrected before planting.
Make furrows
After preparing the soil, furrows should be made in which the truffle trees will be planted. The furrows should be about 40-50 cm deep and 4-6 meters apart.
Plant the trees
Once the soil is prepared, the truffle trees are transplanted to the planting area. During this process, they are placed in the holes previously dug in the ground. They are then covered with soil and compacted to ensure good contact, making sure they are firmly planted. It is also important to place a stake to guide the tree's growth and protect it from strong winds.
For the first year or year and a half, it's advisable to place a protective cover around the plant, keeping it safely inside to encourage it to take root. In winter, this will protect it from the cold, and in summer, it will mitigate the effects of the heat. After this period, it's best to remove the cover so the plant can gradually acclimate to the ambient temperature.
It is important that the plants are planted at the right time of year and in a suitable planting pattern to encourage mycorrhizal symbiosis between the tree roots and the spores of the fresh truffle. The most favorable planting times can range from October to May, depending on the location, altitude, humidity, etc.
The mycorrhization process can take several years to complete and depends largely on soil and climate conditions. However, it can take between 7 and 9 years to produce the first black truffle.
Irrigation
After planting the trees, they should be watered well to ensure good water absorption by the roots.
Maintenance
Once the trees are planted, it's important to keep the area clean and free of weeds so they don't compete for soil nutrients. It's also important to monitor the trees' health and apply any necessary treatments to prevent diseases and pests.
Proper preparation of the land for planting truffle trees is crucial for the success of high-quality truffle production.
The process of cultivating fresh black truffles
Truffles begin to grow several years after the trees have been planted. During this time, it is important to keep the soil clean and water it regularly.
Treatments such as "mycelial irrigation" can be added for care purposes. This involves mixing a water solution with spores obtained from mature, fresh truffles, ideally harvested in the same region. Watering the soil with this mixture encourages mycorrhizal growth.
Measures should also be taken to protect the trees from any damage caused by insects or diseases.
Harvesting fresh black truffles
The harvesting of fresh black truffles takes place several years after the trees have been planted. The exact time of harvesting depends on many factors, including the truffle variety and weather conditions.
Harvesting takes place during the winter months. Truffle hunters typically use trained dogs to locate them. The dogs are trained to recognize the unique aroma of fresh truffles and can detect the presence of a truffle buried several centimeters deep in the soil.
Once located, a small tool called a "scraper" is used to extract the truffle from the soil without damaging it. It is important not to damage the truffles during harvesting, as a damaged truffle can decrease its market value.
Once harvested, the truffle is carefully cleaned to remove any dirt or impurities. Black truffles have a very delicate aroma and can be easily contaminated by other strong odors.
After cleaning, the truffles are sorted by size and quality. The largest and highest quality truffles sell for higher prices at the market. Truffles that don't meet quality standards are sold at lower prices or used for other purposes, such as in truffle-based products.
Cultivating fresh black truffles is a complex process that requires several suitable factors and the right environmental conditions. The cultivation process can take several years. Now that you know how black truffles are cultivated, you can better appreciate the value and quality of this delicious ingredient in your favorite dishes. If you don't know where to buy fresh truffles, Sentidos Truferos is your trusted platform for purchasing fresh black truffles at the best price and with a quality guarantee.
