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Truffle distribution - Pisa in Tuscany

Tuscany is rich in truffle areas – from the black truffle region in the Apennines to the white truffle areas of San Miniato, San Giovanni d’Asso and Volterra. The most important truffle centre is undoubtedly San Miniato, the capital of white truffle in central Italy, which produces a high-quality yield rivalling the more titled Alba (Piedmont) truffle. Nearly half the Tuscan yield comes from the San Miniato hills, and in particular from the villages of the Egola River Valley (Corazzano, La Serra, Balconevisi). Other truffle areas are in the communes of Peccioli, Montopoli in Val d’Arno, Palaia and Volterra.

TRUFFLE GATHERING: Truffle ripening and gathering times depend on the individual species as well as on climatic factors. The white truffle is gathered from September to the beginning of January. The first yield in the hills around San Miniato consists of “surface”, poorly scented truffles. The digging continues in October and in November, the ideal time for ripe white truffles. In January and February the lower-quality “marzuolo” truffle is gathered. Truffles are classified according to shape, colour and number of spores. They range in weight from a few grams to several hundred (they rarely attain a weight of a kilo).

TUBER MAGNATUM PICO, OR WHITE TRUFFLE:The rare white truffle is found at depths of up to 50 cm in clay soils near ditches and woods, often in symbiosis with trees such as poplars, willows, limes, oaks and hazels. White truffles are sought from October to December by well-trained dogs (pigs were also used in former times). Their colour ranges from grey to ochre and the average size is that of a walnut. Their scent is strong and penetrating. The white truffle is preferably used raw or warmed up on risotto, tagliatelle and meats. The villages around San Miniato organize truffle festivals from October to early November. However, the chief attraction is the National White Truffle Trade Fair, which is held in San Miniato at the last three weekends of November.

TUBER BORCHII, OR “MARZUOLO” TRUFFLE: It is often confused with the high-quality white truffle because it can be found in the same period, though the ripening of the marzuolo occurs in February and March. It is small and has a penetrating smell, and is found from January to April. The first yearly trade fair is held at Cigoli, near San Miniato, at the end of March, and is dedicated to the lower-quality truffle.

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