Did you know that one of the biggest truffle ever unearthed is the one found in Istrian forest near small city named Motovun? It was Tuber magnatum or commonly known as white truffle – the most precious truffle species in the world. In Croatia it has a name Istrian white truffle, probably to make distinction from Italian cousin. Thought, these two types of white truffle share the same characteristic and appearance. In Italy even today, but more frequently in the past truffles sold as Italian white and mostly black truffles are actually fungi unearthed in the central Istria, precisely around small village named Livade. So, famous truffles were, and in some instance are actually Croatian truffles. It’s quite interesting, don’t you think so?
Istrian soil is rich in calcium and alkaline and it is perfect foundation for healthy truffle grow and reproduction. Truffle hunters, if they a lucky and skillful enough can encounter on three types of black truffles and one type of white truffles. Depending on season, Tuber Aestivium is type of black truffle which can be commonly seen throughout the year. Croatians love to shave it and add few slices in eggs and omelet in the morning, usually accompanied with a quality extra virgin olive oil – preferable truffle oil.
Another fine black truffle variant is Tuber Melanosporum which grows from January till late of March. Tuber Brumale is yet another winter black truffle but less expensive than Tuber Melanosporum. Hunting season for Tuber Magnatum or white truffle starts in September and can be freshly enjoyed till the November. During this period most of the high quality specimens are sold worldwide reaching price of 35000 KN (40000 HKD) per kilo.
Let’s back to our story about biggest truffle even found. It was back in 1999 where truffle hunter accompanied by his best “dog” friend Diana unearthed something very special. It was early in the morning when Diana’s nose smelled extraordinary piece of truffle beneath the soil in an Istrian forest near Livade. 1.310 kilogram heavy white truffle founded its way into the Guinness Book of World Records shortly thereafter.