The beautiful Italian region of Tuscany is known for its gorgeous vineyards, rustic farms, world-class thermal baths, and picturesque hilltop villages lined with elegant Tuscany villas for rent. This cosmopolitan region is also one of the most important areas in Italy for truffle production.
What is a truffle? Beloved by the Romans for their aphrodisiac qualities, these gourmet delicacies are part of the mushroom family belonging to the genus Tuber. Made up of hyphae, mycelium, and other parts, truffles grow underground near certain roots of trees and have a shape that resembles an irregular circle. The most prized and sought-after variety in Tuscany is the white truffle, while the black truffle is known as the “black diamond”. Each type of truffle boasts a unique aroma and flavor profile.
Wish to go truffle hunting in Tuscany? From choosing the best season to go and what to expect from a Tuscany truffle hunting tour to a few tips for a successful truffle hunting experience, here is everything you need to know.
A Guide to Truffle Hunting in Tuscany
When is Truffle Hunting Season in Tuscany?
Thinking about going on a truffle-hunting adventure in Tuscany in 2025? While the best time to visit Tuscany is in spring (March to early June) and autumn (September to November), the dedicated hunt for truffles in Tuscany is almost all year round.
To find the dark winter truffles, we recommend booking a Tuscany truffle hunting tour from January to March. For bianchetto truffles that grow on the roots of trees under layers of damp leaves, it’s best to visit from March to April. The most popular time for truffle hunting in Tuscany is from September to December when the first of the famous tartufo bianco are fully ripe.
The Role of Dogs in Truffle Hunting
Originally, hunters used to rely on female pigs when hunting for truffles. Unfortunately, pigs tend to eat truffles. Also, it was more difficult to fit a pig in the back of the car. In 1985, using pigs to hunt truffles was banned in Italy. Nowadays, well-trained dogs are used to sniff out truffles.
The dogs in Tuscany are trained from a young age. Some of them even go to truffle-hunting schools where they are taught different techniques. A common practice is to use pieces of smelling cheese to train dogs. After some time, the cheese is replaced with truffles to sniff out. It takes a few years for a dog to become fully trained and ready to go out in the woods and hunt for truffles.
A reliable hunting dog is invaluable for sniffing out tubers and some of the best hounds can cost thousands of dollars. Sadly, every year, many experienced dogs get poisoned by rival hunters. There are even stories of the theft of dogs by rival truffle hunters.
Tuscany Truffle Hunting Tours: What to Expect
Truffle hunting in Tuscany with dogs is one of those experiences that you can’t do on your own. The only way to enjoy this thrilling outdoor activity is by booking one of the truffle hunting tours in Tuscany led by authorized hunters. With so many beautiful hiking trails in Tuscany, there are many tours to choose from, from a truffle hunt and wine-tasting tour to trips that combine truffle hunting with a cooking class or gourmet lunch.
Enjoy a peaceful walk in the woods and search for truffles in Tuscany with a “Tartufaio”, an Italian word for a truffle hunter. In Italy, these seasoned professionals usually learn the skill of training a dog and identifying the truffles from their fathers. A good “Tartufaio” will make the tour an educational experience by sharing their knowledge of nature and providing tips on how to uncover these rare treasures deep in the Tuscan woods.
Tuscany truffle hunting tours are a suitable activity for the whole family, which means you can bring your kids along. Do I get to keep the truffles on these tours? It depends on the arrangement that you make with the local truffle hunter in Tuscany. In most cases, you won’t get any truffles, especially if you are going on a white truffle hunting tour. You may, however, be offered to join a cooking class where the truffles you found together are served for lunch.
Tips for a Successful Truffle Hunting Experience
Before going on a truffle hunt in Tuscany, it is important to get ready. From what to pack for the trip to where to find truffles in the woods, here are a few tips for a successful truffle-hunting experience in Tuscany:
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking in the forest. Truffle hunting usually involves uneven terrain.
- Bring a small backpack to carry water, food, and insect repellent
- Pack a camera to capture the memories from your truffle hunting tour in Tuscany
- Choose casual clothing like comfortable shirts and long pants
- In the summer season, make sure to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect you from the heat
- In the winter season, opt for a jacket or a sweater to keep you warm
- To protect your hands when touching the soil in the forest, pack a pair of gloves
- Look in the right direction when searching for truffles in Tuscany. Truffles are found near the base of trees like hazelnuts and oak.
Typical Tuscan Dishes Made With Truffles
There are many Tuscan dishes that can be paired with truffles, both black and white. Because of its strong flavor, only thin truffle slices are shaved over the top of different dishes. Basically, truffles are almost always used as a garnish. The most common practice is to grate truffles over baked or fried eggs, or plain pasta. Just remember that no matter what kind of truffle you have, it must be fresh.
White truffles can’t stand the heat and are mostly used in pasta and egg dishes, while black truffles are more adaptable and are often paired with cream-based sauces, potatoes, eggs, pasta, and even scallops. Cooking a white truffle is not recommended and is almost sacrilegious. To bring out its full flavor, a black truffle can be sautéed with butter.
Some of the most popular dishes in Tuscany with truffles include pasta with a simple butter sauce, poached eggs, and truffle tartare. For making pasta dishes, all you have to do is grate parmesan and serve the dish with a few grated truffles on top. Use 8-10 grams of truffle per person.
Truffle Festivals in Tuscany
Apart from mixing truffles with your dish and going on a truffle hunt deep in the woods, travelers can attend a truffle festival in Tuscany. The National Exhibition of the White Truffle in San Miniato is probably the most popular truffle event in the region. From participating in a truffle hunt and purchasing truffles to trying different dishes, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting this annual festival.
There is also the Crete Senesi White truffle market in San Giovanni d’Asso, Sienna in November. During the festival, travelers can try many food delicacies prepared with truffles and attend cooking shows and tastings. You can also stop by the Truffle Museum which is located in the picturesque village of San Giovanni d’Asso.