There are around 1400 licensed truffle hunters in Tuscany, and competition between them is rather strong. Every hunter keeps his knowledge about fungi-rich territories in dead secret. It is said that truffle hunters mark the hotspots like Mugello Valley or San Miniato on maps and lock them until they are handed over to the next generations. Hunters’ major assistants are their dogs, and sometimes also pigs, that sniff the truffles and dig them out. If a dog suddenly dies, it's usually attributed to jealous competitors. Dogs also like the fungi and it makes the task even more complicated for the hunters. They must stay alert not to let the dogs eat the dug up treasure. Truffle hunting season in Florence reaches its peak in October and November. At this time you may enjoy these precious fungi in restaurants, watch or participate in truffle hunting process. Bumper truffle harvests occur on condition of rainy spring and summer. One of the revealed secrets is that truffles usually grow near certain trees, such as oaks, hornbeams and birches.
Practical info
When is the best time to go truffle hunting in Florence?
In Florence, the best time for truffle hunting is from October to November. Truffle hunting conditions depend greatly on weather conditions as truffles grow in abundance after a rainy spring and summer. Therefore, the harvest is not guaranteed to be optimal each year even during truffle season. However, the discovery of ripe truffles can be expected during the specified months. Show more
Where can I find truffles in Florence?
Truffle hunting is available in Florence’s natural terrain, particularly within Tuscan forests where truffles thrive. San Miniato, between Pisa and Florence, is a famous spot for truffle hunters due to its high yield of truffles. There are guided truffle hunts across the city, but only professional truffle hunters are knowledgeable enough to guarantee the success of a hunt. Truffles can be found around trees such as birches, oaks, and hornbeams. Show more
How do truffle hunters mark and keep secret their fungi-rich territories?
Truffle hunters conceal their secret locations using maps, which are handed down through generations. Maps aid the search for previously discovered truffles. Hunters also record locations with GPS technology and keep an eye on their dogs as they are attracted to truffles. Given the intense competition among truffle hunters, maps are kept confidential due to their value. Truffle hunters must be knowledgeable and discreet in protecting their valuable troves. Show more
What kind of dogs are used in truffle hunting, and why are pigs sometimes used?
Truffle hunters primarily use dogs that have been trained to search for truffles. Lagotto Romagnolo is a common breed of dog used for truffle hunting in Florence. These dogs have a remarkable sense of smell, which aids in their ability to detect truffles. In certain regions like France and Spain, pigs are utilized for truffle hunting as well. While pigs are more efficient at finding ripe truffles, the practice is becoming rarer as pigs are not controllable due to their appetite for the fungi. Show more
How can I taste truffles in Florence, and are they available outside of truffle hunting season?
One of the best ways to experience Florence’s truffles is to taste them in one of the city's many restaurants, which serve various dishes that feature truffles. Pasta, meat, and fish dishes typically contain truffles. Florence's truffles' high quality has long been celebrated and is available year-round as preservation methods like oil or freezing prolong their life. Additionally, marketplaces sell truffles and truffle-based products outside of truffle hunting season. Show more
