White truffles exposition and fair November 14th, 2009 – November 29th, 2009 Nov 14, 2009
The royal white truffle mushrooms are one of the most famous and expensive delicacies in the world. The mushrooms grow in the Mediterranean countries, and the most important truffles center is considered to be San Miniato, Italy, located near Pisa. According to the gourmands this city is the capital of white truffles.
An old fairy tale tells the story of how a magical triangle came to be – near the city there is small region between the towns of Oderi, Matoderi and Paggioderi which is believed to be magical. In the grounds that are caught inside the magical triangle, you can find the golden calf, if you search hard enough. The fairy tale will remain only a fairy tale, but it is precisely this region that is most fertile for white truffles near San-Miniato.
Searching for white truffles is a very difficult endeavor. Currently people use specially trained dogs and piglets. The aromatically flavored mushrooms grow underground and the places where mushrooms grow are very difficult to identify. Despite these difficulties, the soil is very well-suited for truffles, one time truffle hunters discovered a real giant – a 2 kilogram and 520 gram mushroom.
Truffles are traditionally gathered during the months of October, November, and December. It is particularly during the middle of this season that a famous festival takes place in San Miniato called Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco. During a two week period you will get a chance not only to see the most unusual truffles found around here, but also taste some of the most delicious truffle meals. By the way, the white truffle is believed to have aphrodisiac powers, which is why even the smell that fills restaurants, cafes, and the fair grounds at this time of year can serve well your health.
This year San Miniato 39th annual exhibition and fair of white truffles is conducted.
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