Our Truffles: Truffle Varieties

Truffle is a hypogeous fungus, a mushroom that grows underground and that belongs to the Tuber genus. Truffles live in symbiosis with the root system of some trees, such as downy oaks, holm oaks, hornbeams, poplars, willows, hazels, pines, cistuses, turkey oaks, beeches etc.

A truffle consists of 80% of water and 20% of fibres, proteins, lipids and mineral salts.
The truffle’s fruiting body, called sporocarp, consists of an outer skin called peridium, which can be yellow ochre, olive yellow, brown or black. Its surface can be smooth or warty. The inner flesh of a truffle is called gleba and is characterized by a network of light-coloured veins that create a unique marbling effect. The colour of gleba varies depending on variety.

Truffle hunting and harvesting couldn’t happen without the help of man’s best friend. Thanks to their incredible sense of smell and hard work, dogs are excellent at truffle hunting. An activity that is more fun than a proper job for them and in return for which they receive an extra cuddle or their favourite treat. The cornerstone of truffle hunting is the strong and everlasting bond between the dog and its owner and their constant communication through glances and nods. Zenobio, a fifth-generation truffle hunter, has spent most of his life close to his four-legged friends on humid mornings, freezing nights, sharing fears, hopes and successes. All in the name of their love for a job that has now become Zenobio’s greatest passion.