Truffles are the most expensive mushrooms in the world and why are pigs looking for them? (4 photos)

Every year, the onset of the late autumn and winter season is traditionally expected by all gourmets of the world. Exquisite truffles, which cost up to $50,000 per kg, continue to be an integral part of haute cuisine. In the age of technological development, industrialists have learned to cultivate them in an artificial environment. But, according to connoisseurs, in terms of their gastronomic qualities they cannot be compared with natural delicacies.





Since the end of October, trifulau (as truffle collectors are called) go into the forest to find exotic mushrooms underground. But this is not so easy to do. Therefore, in the 21st century, elite “silent hunting” continues to require four-legged assistants. As many years ago, their roles are played by pigs and dogs.

Why are they still used to find the most expensive mushrooms these days?

Where to look for truffles?

Why are Chinese mushrooms grown in plantations unable to replace a natural delicacy?

On this issue, gourmets are divided into 2 camps: some prefer goods at a significantly lower price, others are ready to overpay for genuine taste and aroma.



Black Perigord truffle

Truffles are distinguished from their ordinary counterparts not only by their excellent taste, but also by their shape. They belong to marsupial mushrooms that do not have a stem or cap. Externally, they can be compared to potato tubers. Traditionally, the most desirable ones on the table of picky eaters are considered to be Italian whites, growing in Piedmont, and blacks, which can be found in the French suburb of Périgord. Another interesting fact is that edible delicacies grow at a depth of 10-20 cm underground and are hidden in the roots of deciduous trees.

Experienced trifulau know signs of nature that give them clues about the location of underground mushrooms. For example, different types of truffles prefer the roots of different perennial trees. Whites often hide under poplars, birches and lindens, while blacks hide in oak and beech groves. Another clue is a swarm of spiny flies. The thing is that the larvae of these insects are also not averse to eating delicious mushrooms, so adult individuals lay their eggs near the places where they grow.





Italian white truffle

The territorial preferences of trifulau in their satellites also vary. It is generally accepted that French “hunters” often choose pigs as assistants, while Italian ones prefer dogs. Alas, these animals are not the only ones “hunting” for mushrooms. Wild bears' keen sense of smell also often leads them to truffle forests. But since it is impossible to use them as search assistants, people prefer to train more harmless four-legged animals.

What's the secret?

A rich mushroom flavor with a nutty tint is not the only feature of truffles. Animals feel the alluring aroma emitted by delicacies already at the stage of maturation. It is believed that pigs and dogs of some breeds are the best mushroom detectors, having an excellent sense of smell and being trainable.

People who search for pigs often choose females for training, since the mushroom “vibes” remind them of the pheromones of males. Pigs can smell truffles at a depth of up to a meter. The main task of the escort is to drive the assistant away in time so that there is something to collect. In order to raise a real professional from a simple pig, piglets from 4 months are fed delicacies so that they remember their smell as best as possible. Alas, sowhounds quickly get tired of long treks.



This is the advantage of Lagotto-Romagnollo dogs, which are deservedly considered the best in this matter. The training strategy is much like training pigs. From the age of 5 months, puppies are prepared for the “silent hunt”. To do this, pieces of truffles are placed around the house so that the animal gets used to their specific aroma. Having discovered a truffle, a well-trained dog lies down on the ground and rolls around, and then quickly begins to dig the ground with its paws.

It is believed that with their help, a picker can earn a fortune in a season!