Taming the Truffle: The History, Lore, and Science of the Ultimate Mushroom

by Ian R. Hall, Gordon Brown, Alessandra Zambonelli

Whether the world’s best truffles come from Piedmont or Périgord inspires impassioned debate, but the effects of dwindling supply and insatiable demand for the elusive mushroom are unquestionable: prices through the roof, intrigue and deception, and ever more intensive efforts to cultivate. As international mycologist Ian Hall and his colleagues have written, “Attempts at taming the truffle, of ordering its growth and harvest, now span the globe, and there has been some success in unlocking the secrets of what French researchers have aptly referred to as la grande mystique.”
 
The secrets of when, how, and where to collect truffles have been passed from generation to generation since ancient times, but artificial cultivation remains the holy grail. Here, in the most comprehensive practical treatment of the gastronomic treasure to date, the art and science of the high-stakes pursuit come together. This extensively illustrated volume brings the latest research and decades of experience to enthusiasts and professionals alike, with coverage of the leading truffle areas including France, Italy, Spain, and Asia, and the newcomers: Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
 
The authors leaven their enthusiasm and expertise with wry humor, exploring the history and newest techniques. They describe in detail the commercial species and their host plants, natural habitats, cultivation, and maintenance, pests and diseases, and harvesting with pigs, dogs, truffle flies, and even the electronic nose. Production in truffle plantations can begin after only three years, but often the rewards may take more than a decade. So there is plenty of time to read and prepare, and no better resource than this one.

Genres: Food, History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 4, 2008

Reviews

[Megan]

This was an interesting book about the history of truffles, some of the scientific aspects applied to cultivate truffle crops, animals used to find the very coveted type of mushrooms, the locations of where most are found and other relevant information.

Overall, it read very much like a textbook and seemed to be geared more towards someone who either has extensive knowledge about Truffles and is looking to potentially start getting into the business so to speak.

I did enjoy learning about the history, geography and the various kinds of dogs many truffle hunters like to use including the Lagotto Romagnolo usually found in Italy, Labrador Retrievers, Dobermans and Poodles.

While this wasn't quite the book I'd been hoping for as I am new at wanting to learn about Truffles and other fungi, some of it was interesting and learned quite a bit.

[Ken]

Pretty readable overview of the truffle industry, including an emphasis on the black Périgord, market and hunting techniques, and a (surprisingly) full coverage of truffieres, including formation, maintenance, and harvesting. Thoroughly researched.

[Clivemichael]

Well referenced and informative.

[Steven]

Boring! (snore)

[Keith]

Informative and a great read for this interested in these delicious fungi