Meet the Expert
What Are Truffles?
Truffles have a very strong, earthy mushroom aroma but humans cannot detect when a truffle is ripe.
It takes a specially trained truffle dog or pig to detect the underground locations of truffles.
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What Are the Different Types of Truffles?
The fungi develop a dense internet of fungal threads (mycelium) in the soil around the tree roots.
For host trees, each truffle species has its own requirements.
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Whats Involved in Growing Truffles?
Many different things need to come together so that truffles can grow.
First and foremost, the proper site selection and topography is crucial.
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Truffles only grow in a very narrow climate pattern.
They need mild, mostly frost-free winters and warm, not hot summers.
Precipitation should be distributed evenly over the course of the year.
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In the first year, of production, says Karen Passafaro, you might get one or two truffles.
Detailed production forecasts are very difficult to make.
Can You Grow Truffles at Home?
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Olivia Taylor sums up why truffle cultivation is not suited for a home garden environment.
She emphasizes the considerable space requirements.
The minimum amount of space advised is half an acre.
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Truffles have not been successfully cultivated in pots or space-limited tubs.
And, eventually, youd also need a trained truffle dog to detect the truffles in the soil.
University of Florida Extension.
Alba, a 5-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo hunting trufflesPhoto courtesy of Karen Passafaro
