Truffle is a rare mushroom that grows underground and has a unique aroma and taste that is very popular in the culinary world. Truffles are so rare to find and so difficult to grow that many chefs are willing to pay a fortune to get them. If you're a chef who needs extra ingredients with a strong flavor or just an average person looking to make a lot of money, look for truffles in places that support their growth. Use the right tools to make it easier for you to clean, store, and sell the truffles you find.
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Method 1 of 3: Finding Truffles in the Right Place
Step 1. Head to Western Europe or the Southwest Pacific region
Truffles are very hard to find. While you may be lucky enough to find them in other areas, your chances are better if you look for them in Western Europe or the US states in the Southwest Pacific region. More specifically, look for forest areas in Italy, France, Oregon, and Washington.
Step 2. Find an area of loose soil
Truffles grow in loose soil. So look for areas with moist soil and/or take your time looking for them in the rainy season. For best results, look for truffles about 10-14 days after heavy rain.
Step 3. Look for truffles near beech, spruce, and oak trees
Trees that form ectomycorrhizal relationships with fungi, such as beech, spruce, and oak, are needed by truffles in order to grow because these fungi attach themselves to tree roots. Look for truffles at the base of the trees.
Step 4. Notice the brown soil at the base of the tree
Instead of spending time digging up all the trees suspected of harboring truffles, look at the soil for signs of mold. If truffles are indeed there, the brownish discoloration effect known as “brûlée” will make the ground around the tree appear burnt, rough and darker than the area around it as this prevents other vegetation from growing there.
Step 5. Look for a small hole in the ground
Look carefully at the “brûlée” area for small holes. This is a sign that the rats once dug the area in search of food. The presence of the pit indicates that the rats have smelled the strong smell of the truffles and have started digging for them to eat.
Step 6. Identify truffles by their small potato-like appearance
There are thousands of types of truffles. The most common colors found are black, white, or burgundy. When the truffles are ripe and ready to eat, these mushrooms usually range in size from a marble to the size of a golf ball. Despite their variety in appearance, most truffles are shaped like small potatoes. So keep this in mind when looking for it.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Right Equipment
Step 1. Train a dog to help you
One of the biggest aids in the search for truffles is a well-trained dog. Dogs are a major asset in the truffle-finding process because they can only smell ripe truffles so you won't get any undercooked, worthless mushrooms. In addition, dogs are quite easy to train and can be taught not to eat truffles that are found.
- If you want to train your dog to hunt for truffles in the Pacific Southwest area of the United States, there are many trainers that offer this service. Some of the training institutions that offer this service are Dogs (Portland, Oregon), Trifecta Training (Eugene, Oregon), and Toil and Truffle (Seattle, Washington).
- Pigs are also good at spotting truffles, but these animals are much more difficult to train and often eat them instead.
Step 2. Dig up the truffles with a rake
When you find an area that you believe has truffles underground, use a 4-toothed rake to dig up the area. If the truffles are there, they're probably about 2.5 to 15 cm deep in the soil. However, sometimes the fungus can also grow at a depth of 0.3 meters below the ground or come to the surface.
Step 3. Use a head flashlight to look for truffles at night
In some well-known search areas, for example in Italy, people dig all day long in search of truffles. If you want to join the search there, consider doing it at night so it's less crowded. Just put on the LED head flashlight and start digging.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning, Storing and Selling Truffles
Step 1. Clean the soil with water and a nail brush
After collecting some truffles, take the mushrooms to the sink and run them under cold water. Position the truffles under the water and use a nail brush or toothbrush to remove any soil on the outside.
Step 2. Use paper to store the truffles in the refrigerator
Wrap the clean truffles with kitchen paper or place them in a paper bag and roll up the bag tightly. Keep the truffles fresh by storing them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Do not wrap the truffles in plastic
Step 3. Put the truffles in the freezer to keep them longer
If you want to store truffles for more than 10 days, consider refrigerating them. You can put it in a plastic bag, press it to release air, then seal it tightly. You can also grate the truffles, mix them with the butter, and freeze the butter. Either way, truffles can last up to 6 months when frozen.
When you're ready to cook and eat your truffles, it's a good idea to start cooking them while they're still frozen, rather than thawing them first
Step 4. Sell your truffles to fancy restaurants
Truffles are a rare ingredient that is hard to find consistently because they are not commercially cultivated. Truffles are a popular and delicious ingredient, much sought after, and loved by many fine and high-end restaurants. Once you find truffles, immediately contact the nearest fine dining restaurant by emailing or calling to see if the chef there is interested in buying your truffles.
