Valamar Blog

From 1 October to 15 November several towns in Istria will be celebrating the 15th Days of the Truffle. The exquisite and special taste of truffles is a real fantasy for gourmands. It is said that you either love them or hate them, but even without thinking, I belong to the first group, mmm…

It is interesting to note that the truffle is mentioned as early as the 1st century B.C., when people believed that this prized mushroom was created by combined activity of heat, water and lightining. It began with the legend that the truffle arose from the lightning that the god Jupiter unleashed in the area of an oak tree (a holy tree). Since Jupiter was well known for his sexual activity, the truffle has always been credited with being an aphrodisiac.

One huge fan of the truffle was the composer Gioacchino Rossini, who called it “the Mozart of mushrooms”.

The most valuable type of truffle is the white truffle (Tuber Magnatum Pico). The richest area for white truffles is in Istria around Livada. However, it would be a mistake not to also mention the black truffle, which is best as an accompaniment to pasta.

Here is also a bit of advice for all truffle lovers: when preparing it, the truffle is neither peeled nor eaten whole; it is not cut into pieces; it is not grated, and it is not cooked. It is simply sliced into thin strips and added to warm food in order to enjoy the noble aromas of the white truffle.

You will find more details about the Days of the Truffle at:

http://www.istria-gourmet.com/hr/dozivljaji/tartuf/dani_tartufa