There's nothing more earthy about digging up truffles from the ground with your own hands, well, actually, with a spoon, plus a little help from your fluffy friend.
In the last 20 years Australia has caught up with the Europeans and became the world's fourth largest producer of premium French black gold truffles, just after the France, Spain and Italy.
Truffle season in Australia runs from June to late August, sometimes September, and it is celebrated by everyone who loves truffles, or simply enjoys a little tour in the nature. If your'e into both, then you might want to add 'truffle hunting' on that ever-growing bucket list!
Luckily, this one can be ticked off quite easily!
Joining a truffle hunt has been on our bucket list for the last few years, but thanks to Covid we had to keep cancelling and rebooking. Late's better than never and we finally made it this year!
This weekend we drove down to a small town in the 'Snowies' as locals affectionately call it, or the Snow Mountains, with just over 300 inhabitants about an hour south of the political capital Canberra. Small, but gem packed with goodies: truffles, good wine, nice pie shops, even fish and chips, and the friendliest people and cutest truffle dogs!
There are a few options for the hunt, you could do a 'Hunt & Brunch' or 'Hunt & Lunch'
All you need is some warm coat and comfy shoes and the hunt is on!
- To start, your host will be serving some delicious, home-made truffle-inspired brekkie, think truffle-infused eggs that are made from the truffles grown in their own farm, and fresh eggs from the chooks who think they own the place.
- After brekkie your host will take you down to the truffle farm and explain how it all works, how truffles are grown and harvested.
- You'll get to meet the real boss of the place - the truffle dogs! They'll give you a tour of the farm and share their treasure hunting fun!
- The hunt will last about an hour or so, you'll learn tons of knowledge about truffle farming and there's plenty of time to ask questions.
- After the hunt your host will show you how to clean the truffles and how they prepare them for selling.
- Last but not the least, you'll get to taste more truffle-infused canapés such as truffle cheese and sometimes even truffle ice-cream!
- If you'd like some souvenir for this wonderful experience, you can buy fresh truffles and truffle products directly from the farmers
Planning a trip to Australia in winter? Let's have a chat! We've got plenty of fun ideas for you!
Happy Hunting!
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