It’s Truffle Season!
A rare delight with an utterly intoxicating earthy flavour and deep aroma, truffles provide a sensational trip for the tastebuds. Part of the mushroom family, this delicacy has captivated us and been viewed as a symbol of luxury and wealth for thousands of years, with their use even dating back to the period of Ancient Greece. It is to no surprise that we continue to revel in these fungi, with Australia becoming a central point of celebration for this incredible ingredient.
Many theories have circulated regarding the origins of these unique delicacies, with Roman poet Juvenal claiming that truffles originated from a thunderbolt hurled to Earth by the father of the gods, Jupiter. Although loved considerably within history, during the Middle Ages truffles seem to have been lost, making an almighty rebirth during the Renaissance. Known as ‘the garlic of the riches’, it became the focal point at prestigious banquets across Europe. Its popularity has continued to grow since, with us entering a truffle-obsessed age.
Having been first grown in Australia in 1999, the country became the world’s fourth-largest producer of the most-prized type of black truffle – the French black or périgord. As demand for luxury dining increased, more Australian farmers chose to cultivate this opulent ingredient and with each year the quality and quantity tremendously increased. A food that greatly reflects the climate and soil in which it grows, this year Canberra is producing more aromatic and tasteful truffles than ever after experiencing one of its coldest winters. The Australian truffle business is a growing industry that is establishing a reputation as world-class for its production, processing and supply of high-quality truffles.
From truffle hunting, to tasting the finest dishes, to learning to create your very own wonders – this flavoursome ingredient gives way to whole experiences to be enjoyed in Australia. To indulge in a feast for the senses, head to The Truffle Festival 2021 in Canberra, running from June to September. Celebrating the seasonality of this special ingredient, the festival offers you the chance to savour the heavenly flavours and aromas at local restaurants and wineries, thrill in truffle hunting at one of the renowned farms and be taught how to utilise these astounding fungi by master chefs. Alternatively, take a trip to the Red Hill Truffle farm in Mornington Peninsula VIC. A stunning property that has been within the same family since 1864, here you can delight in a series of truffle hunts using specially trained dogs and indulge in a truffle-inspired brunch, two-course lunch or eight-course degustation.
The attention this glorious mushroom demands can’t be denied and, with its astounding flavour and unique scent, we welcome Australia’s truffle celebration.