The black truffle is a type of fungus that grows underground, quite deep, next to the roots of certain tree species, such as oak, birch, pine, cypress, chestnut or holm oak, among many others. The perfect climatic conditions for the cultivation of this type of mushroom are found, above all, in certain western countries with a Mediterranean climate, such as France, Italy and, of course, Spain.
This product is a wonder of nature and a gourmet ingredient that is often quite difficult to find in the wild. For this reason, in our country, all the black truffles that are launched on the market are cultivated, as it is practically impossible to find in the wild in the areas where they used to grow naturally.
For this reason, in this article we are going to try to explain what black truffle cultivation consists of. Keep reading if you want to learn more about truffle farming and about the characteristics of the black truffle. You can also find out about the best black truffle producers in Teruel.
WHAT IS TRUFFLE FARMING?
Truffle farming is nothing more and nothing less than a form of agricultural production specialising in the cultivation, harvesting and subsequent marketing of black truffles. Given the complexity required to cultivate this type of fungus in order to obtain an excellent quality product, truffle growing is an activity that requires specific technical knowledge.
In this sense, we can say that certain botanical, horticultural and mycological knowledge is necessary to achieve its cultivation. In fact, for example, you must take into account the climatic conditions that are most favourable for the development of this type of fungus in the best possible way. This is related to temperature and humidity, but it is also necessary to know the type of soil that favours the growth of an excellent product.
In the same way, it is also necessary to have the right tools to harvest the truffle in the best possible way. In fact, it requires the training of dogs to detect when the truffles are at the right moment to be picked. In short, it is an activity that requires a lot of effort and dedication, but from which gratifying results are obtained.
This is because it is a product that has a great flavour and gives a very characteristic aroma to all kinds of dishes. For this reason and because it is a very scarce product, the black truffle, or Tuber melanosporum, is the most sought-after mushroom on the market. For this reason, a kilo of this type of fungus can fetch a very high price.
HOW IS THE BLACK TRUFFLE CULTIVATED?
To cultivate the black truffle, it is necessary to have a lot of patience, as it can take between 7 and 10 years to obtain the first truffles. It is important to dedicate one year to analyse the soil, prepare it and choose the necessary trees for its cultivation. During the second year, you should begin to carry out the appropriate maintenance to remove weeds and avoid the growth of other fungi that can spoil the conditions for their development. This maintenance process can be extended up to the first 5 years.
From the fifth year onwards, the tree will begin to mature enough to establish symbiosis in its roots. You must continue to ensure correct maintenance during the following years until you find the first truffles, for which you will have to train a dog to recognise when they are ripe enough to be harvested. Now, regarding the black truffle and its cultivation, to begin with, you must take into account some variables that we are going to show you next
The geological conditions must be taken into account
For the cultivation of the black truffle Tuber melanosporum, certain aspects need to be taken into account. Among them, for example, it is necessary to be aware that this type of fungus develops mainly under certain geological conditions and in certain types of soil. Therefore, you should know that the black truffle grows mainly in limestone soil in the Mediterranean regions.
Altitude is vital for the cultivation of the black truffle
In the same way, it is also important to keep in mind that this type of mushroom grows much better at high altitudes, between 100 and 1,500 metres above sea level. For this reason, the ideal place to grow the black truffle is on a slight slope, as the Tuber melanosporum does not grow well in very humid soils.
Look for moist, but well-drained soils
It is therefore necessary to grow them in moist soils that cannot become waterlogged and are well drained. Similarly, sloping soils are not ideal either, as they tend to be too dry, which does not favour their correct development. It is also necessary to take into account its acidity level, checking that it has a pH of between 7.5 and 8.5.
Take into account the climatic conditions of the area.
In the same way, it is also necessary to take into account the climatic characteristics of the area where you are going to cultivate the black truffle. This type of mushroom tends to develop better in areas with dry and hot conditions, but with marked seasons, so the Mediterranean climate is perfect, as it offers a wide contrast between a dry and warm summer and mild and moderately humid winters. In this sense, it is important that in the cultivation area there is no frost, but it does rain several times a month.
Black truffles grow in symbiosis with some trees.
Finally, it should also be noted that, for truffle cultivation, it is necessary to have the roots of a host plant, which favours its development. This is because this fungus usually grows in symbiosis with different tree species. For example, we have already mentioned that it grows well with species such as holm oak, oak or hazel, among others. It is important to bear in mind that they usually start to develop in summer, and can be ready for harvesting from October to the end of March or the beginning of April.
SARRIÓN: CAPITAL OF THE BLACK TRUFFLE
Sarrión is a small municipality located in the region of Gúdar-Javalambre, in the Aragonese province of Teruel. This village is known as the capital of the black truffle thanks to the fact that it has the necessary conditions for its cultivation, due to its terrain and the weather conditions of temperature and humidity.
As a result, the black truffle Tuber melanosporum Vitt, the most sought-after truffle on the market due to its incredible characteristics, is obtained here. It is true that this type of mushroom of the highest quality is produced throughout the region, but it is precisely in Sarrión where the best product is obtained.
In short, truffle growing, or black truffle cultivation, is a specialised agricultural practice for which a lot of patience, technical knowledge and a suitable piece of land are necessary. It takes a long time – between 7 and 10 years – to obtain the first truffles, but its gastronomic value and the fact that it is a scarce and highly valued fungus make it well worth the wait.
Thus, the choice of soil, climatic conditions, symbiosis with certain tree species and the training of truffle dogs are crucial to the success of truffle growing. These conditions are found in the area of Teruel, in the region of Gúdar-Javalambre, especially in the municipality of Sarrión, capital of the black truffle, where the coveted Tuber melanosporum Vitt, the most sought-after truffle on the gourmet market, is produced.
