One question we often get asked is ‘how do truffles grow’? As truffle experts, we could offer a very long, very detailed explanation, but for brevity’s sake, put simply, truffles are fungi, like mushrooms, that grow underground attached to the roots of trees. But the story goes deeper than that.
Truffles are among the most mysterious and prestigious foods on earth. While most people know and understand what mushrooms are, truffles grow in ways that are notably different from most mushroom varieties. For one, most mushroom types grow best on decomposing organic matter such as rotting trees, sawdust, grains, or wood chips. These sources provide ideal conditions for the growing mushrooms with readily available nutrients to support the growth of the mushrooms.
Conversely, truffles grow in symbiosis with trees by attaching themselves to the roots of oak, poplar, hazelnut, beech, birch, or pine trees. This unique relationship allows the truffles to provide their host companions with valuable nutrients and minerals from the soil, like magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. In exchange for their hard work, truffles are rewarded with sugars and other carbohydrates from the tree which help to support their growth.
Besides growing along the roots of specific tree varieties, there are a set of unique conditions needed for truffle growth. Truffles tend to thrive in cool, damp, humid conditions, which is why white truffles and black winter truffles are harvested throughout the autumn and winter in prime truffle-growing regions. Access to water is also important, so rainfall at critical times during the growth process helps to hydrate the truffles and facilitate their growth while simultaneously making nutrients more available.
Soil chemistry is also critical since the truffles grow underground. For truffles to achieve optimal growth, the soil pH should be between 7.5 and 8.3. Most of our truffles at Sabatino are grown in the Umbria region of Italy, prized for its lush forests, cool, moderate climate, ample rainfall, and near perfect soil conditions. The resulting truffles offer increased intensity in aromas and flavor.
Truffles thrive in a delicate ecosystem, and at Sabatino, we take great care to protect and preserve this environment. Our harvesting methods are designed to be as minimally invasive as possible, ensuring the long-term health of our truffle-producing trees and maintaining ideal conditions for future growth. By relying on trained truffle-hunting dogs, we use the most efficient and environmentally friendly approach—one that is far gentler than raking or machine-aided harvesting. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that future generations—of both people and truffles—can continue to enjoy these culinary treasures for years to come.
While truffles come in many varieties, at Sabatino, we specialize in the most sought-after types: White Truffles (Tuber magnatum), Black Winter Truffles (Black Périgord, Tuber melanosporum), and Black Summer Truffles (Tuber aestivum). These varieties are prized for their unparalleled aroma, depth of flavor, and culinary versatility.
For 110 years, Sabatino has been dedicated to bringing the magic of truffles to chefs and home cooks around the world. Whether it’s expertly harvesting, shipping, and delivering the finest fresh truffles directly to kitchens or crafting artisanal truffle products that enhance a variety of cuisines, we are passionate about sharing the extraordinary world of truffles with you.
