The University of Évora and chef Tanka Sapkota have announced the discovery, for the first time in Portugal, of the summer truffle, a gastronomic delicacy resulting from the reproduction of fungi. 

“It is the first discovery of summer truffle in Portugal, it is a fantastic discovery, because we know, for the first time, that it is possible to grow it in our country”, explained a researcher from the University of Évora Celeste Santos e Silva.

The University of Évora and chef Tanka Sapkota have been working in partnership for two years looking for truffles in Portugal.
“Several people sent us several samples, but none were truffles” until April 26th, when they received another sample from the municipalities of Alenquer and Sobral de Monte Agraço, in the district of Lisbon, and the researchers were able to prove the existence of this truffle in Portugal.



Since this species of truffle was until now imported and a kilogram costs up to 100 euros, the researcher clarified that the discovery “opens up several market possibilities worldwide, both from the point of view of cultivation and commercialization”.
“I have been working in this area of macromycology for 20 years and I have several owners interested in cultivating it in addition to other crops, since its production can take between 13 and 15 years”, said Celeste Santos e Silva.
“Only today we gathered one kilogram and we have a man who gathered six kilograms in one morning because there were several places and there was a good quantity, so the potential is great”, said chef Tanka Sapkota.
In addition to being a delicacy used in gastronomy, it also has medicinal properties as it is anti-inflammatory, promotes the body's well-being and stimulates the immune system.
Tanka Sapkota discovered truffles in 1992 in restaurants in Italy and, in 2007, began using the delicacy in the dishes he prepares in his restaurants in Lisbon, with the aim of “democratising the truffle” that he has been importing.
In his three restaurants in the capital, he consumes an average of seven kilograms per week.

With this discovery, the chef has no doubt that Portugal now has “better truffles than Italy”.

​https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2024-05-28/truffles-better-than-those-found-in-italy-discovered-in-portugal/89281

Click here to eAlba, a quaint town in Italy's Piedmont region, is celebrated for its exquisite white truffles and medieval architecture.Each fall, the Alba White Truffle Fair brings the town to life, drawing food lovers and travelers worldwide.In addition to the fair, visitors can enjoy Alba's stunning landscapes and authentic Italian culinary traditions that are deeply rooted in the local culture.

Truffle huntingJoin a truffle huntDelve into the forests of Alba for a truffle-hunting adventure, led by knowledgeable locals and their adept dogs.In this quest for white truffles, you'll uncover the secrets of their discovery while being enveloped by Piedmont's verdant landscape.This experience is not just educational but also a unique way to engage with the region's heritage and natural splendor.
City WalkExplore Alba's historic centerWander through Alba's historic heart, where medieval structures stand tall and cobblestone paths weave.The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is a must-see, with its towering bell tower.As you meander, you'll spot many palazzos scattered throughout the cityscape.This walk is a perfect chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and history at a relaxed pace.
You're 50% through
Food marketSavor local delicacies at marketNo visit to Alba would be complete without exploring its vibrant food markets.Here you can sample fresh local produce like cheeses, fruits, and of course, truffles when in season.The market offers a chance to interact with locals and learn about Piedmontese cuisine directly from producers.It's also an ideal spot to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for cooking back home.
Truffle fairAttend the truffle fairIf your visit coincides with autumn, attending the Alba White Truffle Fair is a must.This event celebrates all things truffle-related through tastings, cooking demonstrations, and stalls selling gourmet products from across Italy.It's not just about food; there are also crafts, live music performances making it a cultural experience that showcases Italian hospitality at its best.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/truffle-hunting-adventure-in-alba-italy/story

KUNMING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Entering March, Li Yongfen and her daughter-in-law were finally able to enjoy a well-deserved rest, putting an end to their days of getting up in the early morning to harvest black truffles deep in the forest.
From last November to February, the family from Yongren County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, picked some 200 kg of wild black truffles, bringing home an additional income of 18,000 yuan (2,538 U.S. dollars).
Dubbed the "black diamond" in some European countries, the precious black truffle is one of the most expensive edible fungi in the world.
As the fungus gains increasing popularity among Chinese consumers and various products are developed, an industrial chain that covers production, processing, sales and product innovation is being established in Yunnan, a major province for black truffle growth.
Based on the previous picking experience, Li was able to estimate the growing locations of truffles.
"This year, the truffle prices are fairly good, reaching up to 500 yuan per kilo," said Li.

https://english.news.cn/20240314/c35a974b7d0b493c86280bdf5bb70d50/c.html​

In 2023, Spain harvested over 100 tons of cultivated black truffles, accounting for 60 per cent of the world’s supply.

https://euroweeklynews.com/2024/02/12/spain-surpasses-france-in-truffle-production/​