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The other day, my friend sent me this photo. The one wearing the “white socks” is her new dog, Brownie. And he will be a truffle hunter. What does a truffle hunter do? He assists you in truffle hunting, of course! This photo brought all sorts of smiles to my face and wonderful memories to my mind. A few years ago, I went truffle hunting in Rome with my parents. I’ll get to that in a sec, but first. Aren’t these dogs the cutest?
Back to the dogs for a minute. Not all dogs can be truffle hunters – only a certain one. The Italian breed, Lagotto Romagnolo, the truffle hunter, comes from the Romagna sub-region of Italy. It appears to be a poodle, terrier mix.
Table of Contents
1. What are truffles?
Truffles are a smelly fungus, and certain types are used in foods. Black truffles or white truffles are most commonly used in gastronomy, depending on the type of cuisine. Truffles grow near certain trees (their “partner species”, which support their growth. For example, supporting trees for truffles include oak, pine, hazelnut, fir, and beech trees, among others.
Truffles grow in stable climates of cold and wet winters, followed by warm, dry summers. Although this sounds like much of the globe, truffles typically prefer Mediterranean soils, and are actually quite rare. You can find truffles pretty easily in parts of Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia.
Why the rarity? Truffles are difficult to cultivate, and require almost perfect conditions to grow. Without an exterior shell, truffles are also exposed to the elements. On top of all of this, they’re difficult to find too.
With everything stacked against truffles, it’s no wonder that they are exceedlingly expensive. A pound of black truffles typically sell for a few hundred dollars, whereas a pound of white truffles sell for a few thousand!
2. Truffle hunting in Rome
Please note that some products or referrals in this post are affiliate links (in green) and if you go through them to make a purchase or booking, I will earn a commission. I share these product and booking links because they are related to the post and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours whether to click through and make a purchase through these links.
By now, you’re probably wondering why the ode to truffles in this post. A few years ago, while on holiday in Italy, my parents and I went on a truffle hunting excursion outside Rome through Airbnb. We were staying in Rome at the time, and it was a chance to get out the blazing summer heat in the city.
I bet you never thought of truffle hunting as a “thing to do” while you’re on vacation. But let me just tell you how amazing it was!
We first took the train 30 – 45 min northwest of Rome to Olgiata station. Matteo was there to pick us up. We piled into his car and started chatting away immediately. Although Matteo said his English wasn’t that great, it actually was. What we didn’t know at the time, was that Wendy and Uji (his two truffle hunting dogs) were actually in the car with us! Matteo’s car was a little hatchback and they were nestled into a cage behind the back seat. So, 4 humans and 2 truffle hunters set out to the forest for an adventure.
Looking to plan a trip to Italy? Click for an extensive guide on everything you need to know to plan your Italian adventure! My friend Lisa, from Following the Rivera, is my go-to Italy expert!
Meet Uji, your truffle hunter
While Uji is your typical “truffle hunter” breed, Wendy was not. I’m not really a dog person, so I can’t tell you specifically. What I do know, is Wendy was a lot younger and more mischevious. Matteo only completed training Wendy a few months prior, but she proved to be a fast learner. Sometimes Wendy michieviously ate small truffles that she found herself, instead of bringing it to Matteo. Like I said, she’s still new to the job.
3. How does truffle hunting work?
Although the cultivation and search for truffles is indeed challenging, as a tourist on a truffle hunting experience, it was really easy going. Relaxing, even.
We walk around the forest, specifically to spots with the aforementioned kind of trees, and the truffle hunters begin working. Truffles grow and hide a little beneanth the soil’s surface. If the truffles are near to the surfaces, Uji or Wendy picks it up in their mouth and bring it to Matteo. For each truffle they find, they get a treat. Matteo goes around with his walking stick to disrupt some of the topsoil to help out the hunters.
In between the truffles, there are gorgeous views and wild horses! Well, not wild, but they roam free in the woods. I mean, how amazing, right?
4. And now, to eat!
Following the truffle hunt, it was time to feast on our treasures! We went back to Matteo’s house, where his partners made us an amazing lunch with the truffles Wendy and Uji found. If you have a picture in your mind of a meal with a large Italian family, sitting outside in a beautiful country home, that would be our lunch!
Unfortunately, I didn’t take photos of the garden or our other hosts. But here is the freshly made food, all with truffles on top!
Looking for a Truffle Hunting experience in Istria, Croatia? My friend, Steven from The Thorough Tripper took a great tour there that ended in an amazing meal too!
Parting Thoughts on Truffle Hunting in Rome
This was absolutely one of the funnest food experiences I’ve been on! From the tranquil forest area, to truffle hunting with two playful dogs, to the wonderful conversation and delicious meal, everything was perfect!
If you ever find yourself in Rome, or in a surrounding truffle area, look for a truffle experience! It’ll be interesting and fun, and most of all, delicious!!
Plans after Rome? If you’re heading north to Milan and looking for a hotel, check out Aparthotel Meneghino.
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That’s half off this truffle experience!
Please note that some products or referrals in this post are affiliate links (in green) and if you go through them to make a purchase or booking, I will earn a commission. I share these product and booking links because they are related to the post and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours whether to click through and make a purchase through these links.
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Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.ย She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!ย She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.
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What a fun and different experience!
I would absolutely love to go truffle hunting – as long as I got to eat them afterwards! What a fab experience. And yes the dogs are beautiful ( – I say this as a newly qualified dog momma ๐คฃ). Am i not right in thinking they also use pigs for truffle hunting? Much better with dogs though!
Oh, you have to eat the spoils of the day. Absolutely!! Nothing like fresh truffles, am I right? ๐
Truffle pigs are used traditionally! But sometimes they sneakily eat more truffles themselves. ๐
It really was! Thank you for reading! ๐
I never realised dogs were used to hunt for truffles , I always thought it was just pigs! I do love shaved truffle on top of a mushroom risotto, it just adds that certain something. The truffle hunting sounds like a really fun thing to do and of course you get to sample it at the end!
Pigs have a better sense of smell so they find truffles that are deeper. But they also steal more of them for themselves ๐
The doggies were great fun though! And yes, have to eat the truffles after! Itโs a must!
This sounds such a fun thing to do. Iโve never actually had truffles before – unless you count the chocolate version! ๐๐๐
Well, thatโs a good kinda truffle too!!!! ๐
Iโd suggest you try some sometime. Itโs not for everyone but itโs definitely a unique flavor!
Haha this is too good to be true! I can’t believe truffle hunting exists, and to do it with the cutest companions is out of this world! Such a great post.
Itโs definitely a thing! I think getting to eat the truffles afterward is nice. But the real reward is wandering around a forest with a couple cute dogs ๐ and a horse or two.
Yesssss! A doggie post! I’ll admit, I’m not a huge truffle fan, I know – call me crazy… but a doggie fan, I am! We visited a Bed and Breakfast in Burgundy France that had yellow lab truffle dogs. I love that they are able to use pups as well! Now, I need a trip to Rome!
Not a huge truffle fan?!? Surely your stay at the B&B with truffle dogs converted you, no?
Well, to each his own. But at least we can agree that the dogs are adorable ๐