White Truffles in Italy
Did you know that San Miniato, Italy, is in the center of one of the most productive truffle-rich areas of Europe?
The white truffle (which is usually a pale ochre in color) grows well in the San Miniato hills, a geographical area that extends towards Pisa, is known as Tuber magnatum pico. (Yes, that’s a photo of the white truffle, at left.)
Of course there’s a foodie festival for the truffle! The San Miniato National White Truffle Market is held during the last three weeks of November. The stars are the fresh truffles for sale in various parts of the historical center of town, but there also are stalls and markets where people can eat, drink and find all types of Tuscan products.
Near San Miniato, smaller towns hold white truffle fairs too. Balconevisi, a town in the San Miniato district, organizes a lesser known market where you can buy from the actual truffle gatherers. It is usually held on the third weekend of October together with the Truffle and Mushroom Fair (Sagra del Tartufo e del Fungo) which includes locally made olive oil, wine, walnuts, chestnuts, grapes and porcini mushrooms.
Volterra, famous for its Etruscan art, hosts a truffle fair the last weekend of October and first weekend of November. There’s also a truffle festival at San Giovanni d’Asso during the second and third weekends of November.
Alas, Road Trips Foodies, truffles and their aroma last about three days, so they must be bought and consumed fresh. If you want to indulge, you’ll need to rent a villa with a kitchen in Tuscany.
(Photo courtesy of San Miniato)
