The white truffle of San Miniato is one of the most prized and appreciated for its quality, and being a real wealth for our territory, its collection is done correctly. This activity has always been practiced carefully respecting the ecosystem during the months of October, November and December.
Harvesting is an art rich in traditions, anecdotes and legends, which has always been of utmost importance in our territory so much so that it provided relief to the precarious economy of many local families who, until World War II, lived by working in agriculture.
It was an intense life full of sacrifices, which, however, found great satisfaction during the white truffle season, the search for which was often practiced on the sidelines of the fields where they had been sweating hard until shortly before.
Truffle picking is a unique experience for those who love to immerse themselves in nature, but there are specific rules to which a self-respecting truffle hunter is bound.
We will now reveal some of the secrets of true truffle harvesting.
Truffles grow underground, in symbiosis with certain types of plants called symbiont plants. However, they require special conditions to grow. For this reason, a true truffle hunter must first be moved by a great love and respect for the land by taking care of its preservation so that the truffles do not go extinct.
Harvesting is easier when we rely on the excellent nose of a truffle dog who can find even what the eye cannot see.
Although its role is crucial it certainly cannot do everything on its own, in fact the good truffle hunter must take care to accompany it to areas called “pastures” that is, which may harbor truffles.
Once our fido points at the truffle, he will probably start digging the ground, a good truffle hunter must therefore intervene promptly by continuing the digging with the special spade of a maximum width of 6 cm; and then continue gently with his hands so as not to risk breaking the precious fragrant balls and not to damage the mycorrhized roots.
Once extracted, The truffle hunter will have to make sure to fill the hole with the same loose potting soil so as not to dehydrate the roots.
In case we are faced with rotten or immature truffles, it is a good idea not to collect them but to leave them in the woods, as the latter will contribute their spores to new ones for the following seasons.
Remember that for lawful harvesting, the harvesting calendar established by the individual Regional Administrations must be respected, always during the day and never at night!
Happy harvesting to all truffle lovers like us in the Selektia family!
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