Truffle cultivation is the art of obtaining truffles by cultivating land prepared for this purpose, a complicated art that requires years of preparation and great experience to achieve the right conditions for the development of the black truffle of Aragon.
The black truffle of Aragon
The black truffle has already become a symbol of the Aragonese community, the quintessential black diamond, a delicacy that is already recognized worldwide and one of the most sought-after varieties of truffle by gastronomy lovers.
Currently, approximately 150 tons of black truffles are harvested worldwide, 80 of which are harvested in Aragon, specifically in the provinces of Teruel, Huesca, and Zaragoza. Aragon has established itself as the world's largest producer and exporter of black truffles.
We find many types and varieties of truffles in various countries, both in private plantations and in the wild. In the truffle industry, we focus on cultivating the Tuber melanosporum (the black winter truffle), as Spain is one of the most important countries in the truffle sector, specifically the Aragon region, where we are located.
When we talk about the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum), we're referring to a fungus that grows underground, developing in symbiosis with a plant like the holm oak or oak. It's a blackish or brownish fungus on the outside, rounded, though each one is slightly different in shape. Inside, it's dark with various white veins of different shapes.
The Tuber melanosporum truffle is harvested during the winter season using trained animals, primarily dogs. Thanks to its powerful scent, the animal tracks the aroma to the truffle, then digs in the ground and marks its location.
The Tuber melanosporum truffle season covers a few months of the year, roughly from December to March.
Truffles are a food high in fiber, iodine, iron, rich in B vitamins, potassium, water and carbohydrates.
A gourmet ingredient associated with haute cuisine, but it can also be used to accompany a dish without needing to impress, simply to provide or season a dish with an excellent aroma and flavor.
How to grow black truffles?
Truffles can only be cultivated when specific climatic and soil mineral conditions are met, which makes this art difficult.
As far as the land is concerned, the soil where a black truffle plantation is established needs to meet certain requirements related not only to climate, but also to soil, topography, and vegetation. Furthermore, if black truffles have already grown naturally on that land, the conditions for truffle cultivation are much more favorable. Interestingly, land suitable for truffle cultivation is not usually suitable for other types of crops.
But soil conditions aren't the only factors influencing black truffle cultivation in Aragon. The plantation also requires various forms of care, including weed control and careful irrigation, which varies depending on the weather and rainfall. If it doesn't rain during the summer months and the crop isn't irrigated, no truffles will be harvested when the season begins.
This is why we refer to "the art of the truffle grower" when we talk about the planting and harvesting of black truffles in Aragon. This is because, even if all the previously described conditions are met and the plantation is carefully tended, there is no certainty about how long it will take for the truffle plantation to produce truffles. Some studies claim that it can even take more than eight years.
Truffle dog
Truffle growers are the people who dedicate themselves to harvesting truffles, but the black truffle of Aragon is not visible to the naked eye, as truffles grow at a certain depth underground. Truffle growers usually use trained dogs to find the truffles. These dogs use their highly developed sense of smell to indicate to the growers the location of these black diamonds.
Truffle growers previously used truffle pigs, although this practice is now less common due to the difficulty of training the pigs. Despite this, there are still plantations where truffle pigs or wild boars are used.
One of the biggest dilemmas for truffle growers is selecting the right breed of truffle dog, as they must be excellent truffle hunters. But the answer is that there isn't one specific breed of dog that is inherently better suited for truffle hunting.
It's worth noting that traditionally, shepherds' dogs would collect wild truffles. Now, farmers in truffle-growing areas are more likely to do the work.
A truffle dog requires more than just a well-developed sense of smell; it also needs to be in peak physical condition, obedient, not easily distracted, patient, and calm, among other qualities. It's crucial to remember the strong bond between the dog and the truffle hunter, as this will be a determining factor in the search for black truffles.
Sell truffles online
If you're a truffle grower, you've probably considered selling your black diamonds online. At Sentidos Truferos, we offer a platform specifically for you, a platform where you can find your niche as a truffle grower and sell your cultivated truffles under the best conditions, without having to worry about a thing.
We take care of everything so that you only have to enjoy the art of the truffle grower and sell the black truffle of Aragon to customers who appreciate and enjoy tasting truffles and distributing truffles.
Furthermore, our magazine will keep you informed of all the latest news about truffles. You'll also receive ongoing advice on the best price to sell Aragonese black truffles at, depending on the time of year, supply, and demand.
