The Harvest

Harvesting of the black truffle, Tuber melanosporum takes place from mid-November to mid-march.

The truffle-harvester, accompanied by either a dog or a pig depending upon the region, walks through the truffle orchard, paying close attention to the animal's attitude. The animal, with its nose close to the ground, sniffs the ground in the search of a scent indicating the presence of a tubercle.

Depending upon its habits the animal will either mark the ground with its foot, and the truffle harvester will dig up the truffle or "caver" it. In most cases however, the animal will dig up the truffle itself with either paws or snout, and the harvester quickly intervenes before the truffle is eaten!

Once the truffle is collected, the animal gets it reward with is for dogs, a piece of cookie or cheese and for pigs some corn.

Truffle dogs are generally not purebred dogs; in fact the majority are muts. They simply have a very developed olefactive capacity, a passion for truffles and a great love for their master.

truffle dog generally only works with his master.

Top of page