Le Vie del Tartufo s.r.l.

Via del Lavoro snc 06026 Pietralunga (Pg)
Italy — VAT No. 03391050543 REA PG285851

Phone: (+39) 075 94 60 452

Truffle

and Territory

  • Umbria

    LVDT is located in Umbria, a region known as the green heart of Italy thanks to its lush landscapes, ancient forests, and unspoiled nature.

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    This unique territory, rich in biodiversity and ancient traditions, is surrounded by hills, woods and valleys, where the balance between people and nature is still deeply respected. It is here, surrounded by an extraordinary variety of trees such as oaks, holm oaks, poplars and hazels, that LVDT has found its ideal habitat.

    This abundance of vegetation, together with the constant presence of pure water sources, creates the perfect conditions for the spontaneous growth of truffles, making Umbria the largest and most renowned truffle harvesting area in Italy. In this generous natural environment, numerous truffle species grow, from the prized white truffle to the more intense black truffle, including seasonal varieties such as the bianchetto and summer black truffle. Each specimen contains the aroma and richness of the territory, offering an authentic gastronomic experience deeply connected to Umbrian roots.

  • Truffle

    What exactly is a truffle? Belonging to the fungus family, the truffle is a very special fungus that grows underground, often hidden up to 30 centimetres deep.

    It thrives in temperate climates and its development is closely linked to the surrounding environment. In fact, the characteristic aroma of each truffle depends on the properties of the soil in which it grows.

    This unmistakable aroma is not only a delight for the human palate: it also plays a fundamental role in nature. Truffles use their intense scent to attract animals which, by digging them up and eating them, help spread the spores and ensure the survival of the species.

    • Rich in protein

    • 80% Water

    • Cholesterol free

    • Rich in antioxidants

    • Low in fat (1–6%)

    There are 63 known truffle species worldwide.

    Of these, 23 grow in Italy, but only 9 are considered edible and suitable for gastronomic use. In the past, people relied on pigs to search for truffles, thanks to their extremely refined sense of smell. Over time, however, truffle hunters began to prefer dogs, which are easier to train and, above all, do not eat the truffles once they find them, making them ideal companions for modern truffle hunting.

    White Truffle
    Tuber magnatum Pico

    It is the truffle par excellence, the most prized and best known throughout the world for its characteristics: its intense aroma and extremely delicate flavor. Ochre-yellow in color, it has a smooth outer skin and hazelnut-colored flesh with fine white veining.

    HARVESTING PERIOD: from late September to December 31.

    SYMBIOTIC PLANTS: oak, poplar, willow, lime tree, hazel, black hornbeam, downy oak, juniper, broom and hawthorn.

    Fine Black Truffle
    Tuber melanosporum Vittad.

    The most important of the black truffles, also known as the Black Truffle of Norcia or Sweet Black Truffle. Its sweet aroma and flavor distinguish it from other black truffles. It has a rough, matte black peridium (outer skin) and flesh with white veining.

    HARVESTING PERIOD: from December 1 to March 15.

    SYMBIOTIC PLANTS: Turkey oak, downy oak, holm oak, hazel, lime tree, rockrose and black hornbeam.

    Bianchetto Truffle
    Tuber albidum Pico

    This spring truffle is considered the “younger cousin” of the White Truffle because of their similar external appearance; however, they are extremely different and clearly recognizable.
    It has a smooth ochre-yellow/orange outer skin, a garlicky aroma and dark reddish-brown flesh with coarse white veins.

    HARVESTING PERIOD: from January 15 to April 15.

    SYMBIOTIC PLANTS: oak, poplar, beech, lime tree, hazel, willow, pine, hornbeam, cedar, juniper and fir.

    Summer Black Truffle
    Tuber aestivum Vittad.

    It is the most widely used truffle in Italian culinary tradition and the one found in the greatest quantities.
    Its black peridium has a very warty surface, from which the name “Scorzone Estivo” also derives.
    It has a delicate aroma and flavor, as bright and sunny as the season in which it develops.

    HARVESTING PERIOD: from June 1 to August 31.

    SYMBIOTIC PLANTS: oak, hornbeam, hazel, pine.

  • Truffle Hunting

    Truffle hunting is a tradition with ancient roots, but only in the last thirty years has it gained increasing popularity. Despite its growing fame, it remains a complex and fascinating activity that requires time, knowledge and, above all, a true passion for nature.

    The truffle is a hypogeous fungus belonging to the Tuber genus, growing hidden beneath the ground, often in remote woodlands. Finding it is far from easy: it requires experience, patience, and a deep connection with the land.

    Knowing the Territory:
    Where the Secrets Are Hidden

    The first step to becoming a skilled truffle hunter is knowing the territory. Reading the landscape, observing the woods, recognizing the signs: all of this makes a difference. But not everything can be learned from books. The true secrets of truffle hunting are passed down through generations, like precious family treasures. Here are a few “insights” known only to the most experienced hunters:

    • Certain trees, such as oaks, hazels, poplars, and willows, are particularly favorable to truffle growth. The root system can even influence the truffle’s aroma.
    • The moon plays a key role: its cycles influence groundwater reserves, which are essential for truffle development.
    • Truffles grow mainly in temperate areas, on hills and mountains, and prefer alkaline soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8.3.

    The Truffle Dog:
    The Hunter’s Best Companion

    No truffle hunt is possible without a well-trained truffle dog. These extraordinary animals can detect the scent of truffles underground and dig precisely where the truffle is located. Training requires consistency, care and rewards: every truffle found should be celebrated with a small reward to reinforce the dog’s motivation. Among the most suitable breeds for truffle hunting are the Lagotto Romagnolo, Bracco, Pointer and Cocker Spaniel, known for their intelligence, affection and exceptional sense of smell.

    The License:
    Ethics and Responsibility in the Woods

    Truffle hunting is not only about adventure and instinct: it is a regulated activity. A personal license is required to search for truffles, and obtaining it is far more than a formality. The licensing course teaches technical skills as well as fundamental values:

    • Respect for the environment and the woodland ecosystem
    • Care and attention for the truffle dog
    • Respect for harvesting calendars to ensure sustainability

    Truffle hunting is much more than a rural pastime: it is a ritual that brings together nature, tradition, science and intuition. Whether you are a beginner or carrying on a family legacy, every outing into the woods is an adventure written in the earth.