Growing Gourmet Truffle Mad

It doesn’t matter what you do or where you come from it seems that there are always people interested in the intriguing topic of truffles.

Now that the days are longer and the weather is warming up it means that it is a perfect time to start planting out tree seedlings. Many people have started to recieve their tree orders and planting is busily underway.

If you have an already developed site you will be battling with weed control. It is also a good idea not forget to use this To Do List as a guideline on what needs to be done to ensure that you keep finding that black gold next harvest season! 

On Southern Cross Truffles's To Do List:

• Prune younger trees and replace any shelters/stakes damaged in the winter
• Mow, cultivate and then spray where needed
• Prune any low hanging or damaged branches on developed trees
• Test leaves for health of any questionable trees
• Set bait stations for pests 
• Apply bio stimulant around trees (especially those that have produced)
• Start watering at key times

We are not the only ones busy at work putting our green thumbs to good use this October. The Tuites from South Canterbury have received their ilex oak trees infected with melanosporum and have been busy planting - following the guidelines set out in the consultancy report they received several months earlier of course!

"Have received the scoping report re our Truffle property, looks great.  Great to see that we look like we have chosen the right block of land to do this on!!"

Not only is it a great block of land for growing ilex oaks infected with melanosporum or more commonly known as Perigord Black Truffle, but the knowledge and research, enthusiasm and hard work of the Tuites means that they have all the right ingredients for a successful truffiere in the future!

"We started digging the holes last Monday and had planted 408 trees by the end of Friday. We still have another 12 to go in once I get some work done in the middle of the block so should have the Truffiere completed by next weekend with the irrigation still a work in progress."

Cooking tip: if you store truffle with eggs in an airtight container for a couple of days, the intense aroma will penetrate the shells, creating truffle-infused eggs.

Just before serving, these decadent scrambled eggs on toast are topped generous shavings of fresh black truffle. Is it good? Oh yes.

For those who have not experienced truffle, words can never quite describe its intense, unique and intoxicating aroma and flavour – a little goes a long way; too much can be overpowering. People have described it as rich, savoury, musky, earthy, garlicky, nutty – once you’ve experienced it, you will always recognise it.

Not only is it a busy time for the Southern Cross Truffles team out at the truffiere sites, but Growing Gourmet has been busy infecting a range of seedlings with both melanosporum as well as borchii, ready for the 2013 spring planting. Infection is nearly finished so independant testing will take place in several months ready for sale! A range of combinations are being produced so be sure to pre order through Southern Woods Nursery any seedlings you will be wanting for planting next Spring to ensure your delivery.