White Truffles

Tuber magnatum (pico)

White Alba Truffles, Alba Truffles, Piedmont Truffle

Season: September - January

Peak: November - December

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White truffles are revered as one of the most exquisite and sought-after truffle varieties in the world. Known for their remarkable aroma, delicate flavour, and unparalleled culinary status, white truffles have earned their place as a true delicacy. Their taste is subtle and delicate, with notes of earthiness, and a hint of sweetness. However, it is their intoxicating aroma that sets white truffles apart. The fragrance is intense, musky, and often described as a fusion of garlic, honey, and earth, creating an olfactory experience like no other.

White truffles are predominantly found in the regions of Piedmont, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna in Italy. Italy has long been recognised as the primary source of these prized truffles, and the Alba truffle, specifically, is highly esteemed. The soil, climate, and native tree populations provide ideal conditions for white truffles.

White truffles are harvested using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Expert truffle hunters, accompanied by trained dogs, carefully search the forest floors for the truffles' hidden treasures. The dogs' keen sense of smell is essential in detecting the aromatic compounds released by the mature truffles, allowing for their precise extraction without damaging the delicate fungi.

White truffles are highly seasonal and available only for a short period each year, typically from September to December. Their limited availability, combined with failed cultivation attempts, contributes to their exclusivity and substantial price tag. The rarity and demand for white truffles have made them a symbol of luxury and indulgence in the culinary realm.