There is something about the history of truffles that has captivated people for over a thousand years. It may be the dazzling, irresistible aroma that continues to draw generation after generation to this delicacy. The history of these black pearls of the Earth is often filled with mystery and superstition.
Truffles are rare, edible fungi with earthy aroma and complex flavor. They come in various types. Black and white ones are the most popular.
Where do truffles grow? In regions with temperate climates. This mushroom is found within the living roots of chestnut, oak, hazel, and beech trees. To find them, you need to have a trained dog or pig. They grow slowly (from several months to a year).
The History of Truffles
The word truffle comes from the Latin word “tuber”, which means outgrowth. It dates back to as early as the ancient Egyptians, who held these mushrooms in high esteem and ate them coated in goose fat.
A myth surrounded this gourmet entrée when people believed they came from the ground after lightning struck the earth. According to a legend, a farmer spotted his pig digging at the root of a tree, eating the mushrooms that it found. Upon seeing that the pig remained healthy, the farmer tried the mushrooms himself. Afterward, his inability to have a child with his wife resulted in them having thirteen children.
Many soon felt that there was a supernatural quality to truffles, and saw them as God’s gift to humanity. The Greeks and Romans used them for therapeutic purposes, feeling that they gave eternal health to the body and soul. These mushrooms were also seen as having exotic qualities in their aroma and flavor, making them more popular among the noble classes.
Throughout the Middle Ages, truffles virtually disappeared from sight. This is because, at one time, the church felt that because of their exotic aroma, these mushrooms were the creation of the devil. They were sometimes known as the “witch’s fares”, and for centuries, few people ate or sold them.
People were fascinated by where truffles originate and how they came to grow underground, hidden from plain sight. This intrigue only added to their allure as a symbol of both mystery and status.
During the Renaissance, these mushrooms made a comeback through the reign of Louis XIV, who not only saved them from obscurity, but also pushed them into the forefront of one of Europe’s most respected dishes. The king was fascinated by the nature of these mushrooms and set out to cultivate them, which proved to be unsuccessful.
By the mid-1800s, fresh truffles experienced its largest production to date. Over 2,000 tons of truffles appeared throughout Europe. This age of abundance and wealth did not last long. After World War I, many of the rural lands were destroyed and the growth of these mushrooms lowered dramatically. It reached its lowest by the 1960s, producing less than 400 tons.
Truffle Hunting Traditions
Truffle hunting is a tradition passed down through generations. Hunters use specially trained dogs to sniff out these mushrooms hidden underground. In the past, pigs were used for this task, but dogs are now preferred as they are easier to control. A hunter should be patient and know the environment very well.
Truffles in Modern Cuisine
As European cuisine evolved, truffles solidified their place in French and Italian culinary traditions. The question of "Where do truffles come from" led to a focus on specific regions known for their fertile soils and perfect climate. Areas like Périgord in France and Alba in Italy became synonymous with the finest black and white truffles, respectively.
Today, truffles are still a rare delicacy, reserved for the most special of occasions.