For more than a century now, countries such as France and Italy have been cultivating the black winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum). This fungus, known since ancient times for its unparalleled aroma, is considered the “black diamond of the earth” due to its scarcity and the exorbitant prices it commands in the markets (from € 180 to €600 per kg.) To establish a truffle plantation, it is essential to have the right conditions, in terms of both soil and climate. It is also important to consider the previous crop cultivated on the plot and its proximity to wooded areas. Here are the most suitable characteristics for truffle production and the factors that, a priori, can help us achieve this goal. The black winter truffle is a fungus that is found in soft, calcareous and well-drained ground where fertility is low to medium. In order to find out what conditions the plot you’re thinking of planting has, it is necessary to perform a soil analysis to learn whether it fulfils the needs of truffle trees. The black winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum) was originally found only in areas with a Mediterranean climate (France, Spain and Italy) although over the past 20 years, its cultivation has spread to areas outside Europe. There are now plantations in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina… and other countries where black winter truffle did not grow naturally in the wild. Once you’ve determined whether the plot has the right conditions to grow truffles, you should carry out the relevant preparatory work to plant the tree seedlings under the best conditions. Please contact us to get personalised advice tailored to you. From a climate perspective, it is found in low to medium rainfall areas and between an altitude of 150m and 1,300m. Thus, it can be found in Spain in the following provinces: Álava, Albacete, Barcelona, Burgos, Castellón, Cuenca, Gerona, Granada, Guadalajara, Huesca, Jaén, La Rioja, Lérida, Navarre, Segovia, Soria, Tarragona, Teruel and Valencia. It can also be found in some isolated spots in other provinces. Trufficulture
Guide to Trufficulture
TECHNICAL GUIDELINE #1 – THE SOIL
Do I have the right soil?
TECHNICAL GUIDELINE #2 – THE CLIMATE
Which climate is ideal?
TECHNICAL GUIDELINE #3 – CARE
How should I take care of the field?
The analysis and prior knowledge of the ground are essential in trufficulture.
Map of the main truffle-growing areas
