Our truffles
What are truffles?
Truffles are edible fungi belonging to the genus Tuber. These fungi naturally live in symbiosis (mutual benefit) in the roots of certain species of forest trees and shrubs, and therefore, truffles grow and mature below the soil surface, normally between 10-15 cm, although on some occasions they can be found up to 35 cm deep and even emerge slightly above the soil surface.
What varieties are there in Chile?
Currently, the main truffle cultivated in Chile is the Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum), which forms in spring from the fungal mycelium and grows during the summer months, finally maturing during the winter (late May to early September). Two other varieties of edible truffles are being cultivated in the country: the summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) and the white truffle (Tuber borchii), with some orchards in the country and in their initial stages of development.
How to distinguish its quality?
A mature truffle is distinguished primarily by three qualities: a powerful and pleasant aroma, a firm texture, and a black interior (gleba) with white veins.
Truffle cultivation in Chile
Important aspects that we want to share with you.
Essential to get started. It marks the border where it is possible to develop a truffle project. Once a truffle plantation is established, correcting aspects of the soil that are not appropriate for cultivation is ineffective and substantially increases costs. It requires a Mediterranean climate and availability of water for irrigation.
A truffle soil must have the following initial conditions:
– Low or relatively low fertility.
– Friable and well-aerated soils. Loam, sandy loam, silt loam.
– History of the site without forests or intensive cultivation.
– Suitable topography for a tree plantation. That prevents water from settling.
A Mediterranean climate is required and in most cases it is necessary to carry out significant amendment with lime to reach a pH of 7.5-8.5, an essential condition for the cultivation of the black truffle.
Mycorrhizal Plants
The plant is the productive incubator, it is also essential to get off to a good start. A quality plant is essential. Obtain plants from specialized, reliable and experienced nurseries, do not risk a long-term project with a significant investment, by looking for plants without accredited certification or produced by hand.
Several key conditions must be met for the successful establishment and development of a truffle plantation. These include a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, granular soils, sufficient soil moisture during key periods in the summer, minimal presence of competing fungi, weed control, and specific pruning techniques for the crop.
Cultural Itinerary
Knowing how to manage my plantation at different stages of cultivation. Each plantation is unique, and therefore, the application of cultural practices is adapted to each case. In general, cultivation has four stages: a) establishment; b) pre-production; c) production; d) renewal.
Control and Monitoring
Using sampling techniques to determine if the establishment and development of the orchard is progressing adequately through the pre- and fruiting stages and that the essential factors of the soil, roots, and the plant's health and nutritional status are correct.
Harvesting mature truffles requires very specific practices based on the use of dogs that can detect their aroma from greater distances and at greater depths than humans. Currently, the most suitable harvesting method is with the use of specially trained dogs.
A truffle can last a maximum of 10 days in fresh condition under refrigeration and proper packaging.
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Black truffle production in Europe is highly seasonal, with fresh truffles being sold between December and March. In our country, one of the main commercial advantages is producing truffles out of season, allowing access to high-volume markets when the main producing countries (France, Spain, and Italy) do not have fresh truffles available. The domestic market is still in its early stages, consuming around 10% of production.
Truffle dogs
In truffle cultivation, the truffle dog is an essential link. It is the quintessential "truffle hunter." It is a dog specially trained to search for truffles underground, detecting their aroma only when they are ripe. While any dog has the olfactory capacity to detect the scent of truffles, not all are suited to be used as truffle dogs.
Obedience is essential, and their physical condition must allow them to roam the truffle grounds for a relatively long period, and not least, to work in the middle of winter. In Chile, Labradors, Border Collies, Fox Terriers, Spanish Water Dogs, Police Dogs, Beagles, Pointers, and mixed breeds are used.
Land management
Soil work that allows for progressive root expansion and prevents compaction.
Humidity management
It includes irrigation management and soil moisture conservation techniques during times of water scarcity.
Quality preservation
Once harvested, fresh truffles should be stored in cool conditions between 1 and 4 degrees Celsius and low humidity.
Maintenance of essential parameters
Avoid the devaluation of parameters required for cultivation, including pH.
Pest control and competitors
Timely management to control pests and weeds, which affect the health of the tree and the quality of the truffles.