One morning in autumn I went with a small group of bloggers to do a truffle hunt in the countryside of San Miniato (the place is secret and will not be told even under torture ;-)

I had participated in other "hunts" but this had an important peculiarity .. our truffle hunter Massimo began by saying that we would go into the woods with his truffle dog Stella but without hiding anything. That is .. let's go into the woods, we are in the period of the white truffle so we should be able to find it but it is not certain.

Massimo told us he had a plan B "just in case", a truffle hidden in his pocket in case Stella wasn't able to find the gold nugget. I titled the article "truffle hunting in October "precisely because from mid-September to December is the period of the white truffle hunting par excellence, so taking advantage of what is considered" low season "for tourism in San Miniato instead means enjoying a warm autumn weekend full of truffles, mushrooms , new oil and wonderful romantic views.

I appreciated this gesture very much because it means not doing anything "prepackaged" especially during the period in which the truffle is found.

Before entering the woods, Massimo tells us about his beginning, his father-in-law's passion for truffles and the bond they have with dogs, faithful essential elements in truffle hunting.

I had not been in the woods for a long time despite being born in these areas but to go into the green, feel the twigs that break under my soles, observe the morning dew and above all breathe in the woods, at a safe distance from others in Covid times, feeling the pungent smell of fern, undergrowth, wet leaves is a wonderful sensation.

Massimo is attentive, he guides us in the woods and while keeping an eye on Stella's movements he helps us to recognize the plants, telling us how the oaks, downy oaks and holm oaks are some of the plants near which truffles are born more easily. Truffle, which in spite of the name “tuber magnum” is not a truffle but a mushroom. We find the first white truffle and it's a big party for Stella who is rewarded with treats and pampering. Our walk will last about 2 hours bringing home a swag of consistent truffles and a great sense of well-being and peace. Truffle hunting is a fun activity but above all it is an exceptional way to appreciate nature.

We then go to the Truffle in Tuscany headquarters where Letizia, Massimo's sister is waiting for us to show us the second step .. once you have found the truffles you have to cook and taste! To remove the earth, simply use running water and a toothbrush. The unwashed truffle can be kept in the fridge wrapped in absorbent paper in a jar for up to 25 days .. but who can resist the call of the truffle king for so long?

It is not "cooked" because it is correct to eat it at body temperature but it is used in flakes on foods that must be simple enough not to "alter" the taste of the truffle but to favor it. Here, the truffle gives its best on tagliolini, on fried egg, on a meat tartare, on a chickpea cream.

Letizia is very good and engaging, she moves in the kitchen like a perfect hostess, showing us the actions to do to best enhance our precious petites and preparing a lunch with all the trimmings.

For further info: https://www.truffleintuscany.it/