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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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I don’t love Truffles, but I loved this article! Great share, it sounds like so much fun!!
Understandable – Truffles definitely have a distinct smell and taste. Glad you still enjoyed it, Jenny!
I didn’t know dogs were used for this. Amazing. Although I’m not sure if I’d just get distracted and want to play with the dogs instead. So cute!
I definitely spent some time playing around with the doggies ๐ thatโs allowed! After truffle hunting time though ๐
Awwww those doggos look so happy to be truffle hunting! This sounds like such a unique and fun experience.
They do look like theyโre having fun, donโt they? ๐ it was definitely so much fun! ๐
Very similar to my Croatian truffle hunt. Italians consider Croatian truffles inferior. So if that’s true, then your meal was better than mine ๐ Mine was still damn good though. I read an interesting book once about the economics of truffles and all the crime surrounding truffles throughout Europe. Of course, such a rare and expensive commodity will invite crime ๐ It’s called The Truffle Underground.
Haha! I didnโt know that. I bet my Croatian friend (brownieโs proud owner) would disagree ๐
Truffle Underground sounds super interesting. Reminds me of the maple syrup Union. Have you heard of this thing with maple syrup producers?? I will have to check out the book!
I watched an episode of Travel Man last week where they were truffle hunting in Florence but I never considered that you could do it in Rome! Looks fun.
Haha how ironic! Itโs outside of Rome, in the forest. But super close by train. It was a great experience! Consider it for next time ๐
I always thought it was pigs that did the truffle hunting. Why I have no idea. Instead itโs a little furry thing. This looks fun. Even if truffles have never blown my mind. Give me a chicken pie instead.
They do use pigs but pigs eat more of the truffles that they find!
Maybe Iโd take your chicken pie every day, and truffles on Sundayโs. But your chicken pie doesnโt come with fun loving dogs, does it?