Did you know you can actually source, hunt, and forage for truffles in Britain? It’s true! They’re hiding all over, and all it takes is some knowledge, a skilled ‘hunter’, and a bit of persistence to track them down.
Truffles, often called ‘black gold,’ are a chef’s delight! They’re rare, time-consuming to collect, and come with a hefty price tag. In Britain, you’ll mainly find black truffles, similar to those in France and Italy. These truffles are just as valuable as saffron, cardamom, and even vanilla. People often describe their flavor as a subtle blend of peppery, garlicky, and earthy notes that infuse beautifully into dishes.
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of mushrooms or fungi in general—it’s about the only food I avoid. The texture and earthy flavor usually make me lose my appetite. But truffles are different; there’s something exciting about the hunt, like a treasure hunt where you wait patiently, then—bam—there’s the prize!
In Britain, you can find truffles from Dorset to Wiltshire, along the south coast, and up to the Peak District National Park. Forests in Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Cornwall are also notable hunting grounds. Your best bet is to explore forests with oak, beech, hazel, or birch trees. Aim for a forest, not just a lone tree, as truffles need a specific environment free from heavy vegetation.
If you’re unsure, reach out to a truffle expert or join a hunt led by the English Truffle Company in West Wiltshire. Truffles in Britain, specifically tuber aestivum and tuber uncinatum, usually grow on tree roots and require some light digging to uncover. Interestingly, after wet weather, some might even peek out from the forest floor. Sounds simple enough, right?
Finding truffles is often made easier with a trained ‘truffle hound’ that can detect their scent. If training a dog isn’t for you, join one of the organized truffle hunts—they simplify the process. Bring a small shovel, a basket, and a lot of patience, and you might just come home with your own batch of truffles!
Once you’ve got your truffles, a simple way to enjoy them is by infusing some extra-virgin olive oil with grated truffle for salads, pasta, or even eggs. For a more intense flavor, slice truffles into risotto or pasta and let them sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Keep in mind, avoid mixing truffles with acidic foods, as it kills the flavor. Try adding it to a recipe like Fettuccine with portobello, porcini, and black truffle for a real treat!
Unfortunately, truffle hunting isn’t really an option in London—unless you’re hoping to stumble across some fungi under a bridge, which isn’t ideal! 🙂 If truffles are your thing, Borough Market offers a chance to smell, pick, and buy some for yourself—just come prepared with extra spending money. Trust me, it’s hard to resist indulging there!
If truffles aren’t your taste, maybe a delicious Greek-inspired salmon with roasted asparagus would be more your thing!
