In the inland of Istria, 80 years ago, the truffle was discovered in the Motovun forest. The soil of the Istrian forest is one of the richest soils where you can find the small piquant smelling truffles. The best place to find these precious mushrooms is in the valley of the Mirna River, where they can be found with the help of trained dogs during the famous truffle hunt. The oak forests around Motovun, Buzet and Livade have become over the years a truffle paradise. The fine noses of the experienced “gold diggers of Istria” are trained from birth to discover the precious mushroom. Since the discovery of truffles in the northwest of Istria, they have been among the highlights on the international gourmet scene. In Istria you can find three species of black truffles and the rare white truffle, which is found only in Italy and Croatia.
The winter truffle (Tuber brumale) is found from autumn to early winter and has the most intense aroma, while the black summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) grows in summer and is the most widespread truffle. The black winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum), which mainly grows in the winter months, is the most valuable of all black truffles. The most valuable truffle in general however ist the white Istrian truffle (Tuber magnatum pico), which ripens from September to January and is considered the noblest and most expensive of all truffle types, as it has a very distinct aroma.
It is therefore not surprising that in numerous Restaurants of Istria on the menu you can find dishes with truffles. Traditionally, homemade fuži, pljukanci or other handmade pasta are served in truffle sauce. A very popular dish among locals is the Fritaja with truffles – every family has their own little secret recipe here. Among the guests are also the cheese and homemade Istrian Prosciutto platters with truffles very popular. The truffles are grated in thin slices on the finished dish, so that the aroma is quite intense. Would you like to take part in an exciting truffle hunt and tasting? Then the Truffle Mania tour is just the thing for you!
