In search of the Holy truffle

[northenige]

Not asking for locations. I believe i know an area that may contain them but have never tried so was hoping for any tips, i will be searching under oak and beech around the interior drip line up to about four inches deep, has anyone had any success in the northwest area, a simple yes or no would do? or any tips that may help would be appreciated, thanks

[FungiJus]

I have had the extreme good fortune to visit a private estate where truffles (Tuber aestivum) grow in good numbers. In this case, the trees were 15 years old and the truffles only grew with beech. It wasn't necessary to dig down for them as the tubers were close to and breaking the surface of the distinctly chalky soil.

Not all the beech trees produced truffles, but the ones that did had what was referred to as a "brulee" or burn around the base - basically where the fungus had prevented the growth of any other plants or grasses. This was the best indicator of the trees that produced.

As always with us fungi types though, a caveat, I have only seen this once and in one location with quite specific conditions - you may find entirely different conditions that support truffles too, I don't know. In any case, the best of luck!

[northenige]

Thanks FungiJus, for answering, it seems not many people share good info regarding this species of life form. This i feel for obvious financial reasons for some however this for me is sad because it has created some what of a knowledge gap regarding the UK truffle (Tuber aestivum) and its life cycle. there is so little known about this species, in particular its where abouts through-out the UK, unlike most parts of Europe with related species where some truffle hunts are more of a social gathering which serves to broaden existing understanding of its existing status. Thanks again, the info about the burn could shorten my expected lengthy experience. I will put it on the forum if i do find anything here in the north west, but at the moment it feels as though i am indeed after the Holy Grail. Good job I'm not religious

[CapAndBracket]

Originally Posted by northenige

Thanks FungiJus, for answering, it seems not many people share good info regarding this species of life form. This i feel for obvious financial reasons for some however this for me is sad because it has created some what of a knowledge gap regarding the UK truffle (Tuber aestivum) and its life cycle. there is so little known about this species, in particular its where abouts through-out the UK, unlike most parts of Europe with related species where some truffle hunts are more of a social gathering which serves to broaden existing understanding of its existing status. Thanks again, the info about the burn could shorten my expected lengthy experience. I will put it on the forum if i do find anything here in the north west, but at the moment it feels as though i am indeed after the Holy Grail. Good job I'm not religious

I think not many people are forthcomming with info regarding this species because as you identify in your last line it's the holy grail of fungi. I have met a couple that have been shown them (possibly where fungijus saw them) who said they were visible at the surface.
Morels are supposed to be far more frequent than truffles yet this springs hunt produced few indeed. On the bright side some intersting finds were made, i don't doubt there are more locations of truffles in this country but unless we happen to look there they will remain un-recorded. I wish you well in your search, plenty will be looking, but i won't be suprised if the new finds will be zero (let's hope i'm wrong)

Cheers J.P.

[Leif]

Originally Posted by northenige

Thanks FungiJus, for answering, it seems not many people share good info regarding this species of life form. This i feel for obvious financial reasons for some however this for me is sad because it has created some what of a knowledge gap regarding the UK truffle (Tuber aestivum) and its life cycle. there is so little known about this species, in particular its where abouts through-out the UK, unlike most parts of Europe with related species where some truffle hunts are more of a social gathering which serves to broaden existing understanding of its existing status. Thanks again, the info about the burn could shorten my expected lengthy experience. I will put it on the forum if i do find anything here in the north west, but at the moment it feels as though i am indeed after the Holy Grail. Good job I'm not religious

Are you sure? There are records in Italy and France of gun shots being fired when competing truffle hunters meet.

[northenige]

Originally Posted by Leif

Are you sure? There are records in Italy and France of gun shots being fired when competing truffle hunters meet.

We get that with window cleaners and butty vans here in the UK I believe they have the right to roam anywhere in France and Italy, you may be right as regards some patches but whole villages participate in some parts

[northenige]

Originally Posted by northenige

We get that with window cleaners and butty vans here in the UK I believe they have the right to roam anywhere in France and Italy, you may be right as regards some patches but whole villages participate in some parts

On second thoughts you may be right, think i will train my dog first