UK Truffles

jessica37uk · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 06:32 PM

Can we really find these beauties in the UK. My son and I went truffle hunting about 8 weeks ago. we found what we think were very immature black truffles. we are going back tomorrow to see if we were right and that they have matured.
anyone found black truffles in the north of the uk. i dont want the destination just merely the fact you have.
Are they actually attached to the root of the tree?
and if i find them who can make sure they are not toxic for us?

annief · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 07:15 PM

Many years ago squirrels were digging holes among the roots of an oak tree in our garden. From the holes came a really strong aromatic sent (never having had a truffle it meant nothing to us). A German friend who was a chef was wandering round the garden and noticed the smell - he was so excited he inisted that we dig around and see what we cound find. We dug up several small white knobbly jobies and 1 I think weighing about 1lb. He assured us they were truffles and we ate them sliced up on scrambled eggs (and just about everything else). No idea if he was right, but we lived to tell the tale. Unfortunately no pictures and they have never returned, as far as I know.

fairplay · #3 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 07:16 PM

Hi Jessica,

I think the best you can hope for is to take some detailed photos including one cut in half with it's inside face facing the camera, send it in to this forum, and perhaps someone may be able to tell you what you have.

Neil.

jessica37uk · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 02:31 PM

We have been and found some of these things. They look like knobbly nodules attached to roots. They were found in two different places just below the surface. They are however still attached to roots. not living independantly. If this is right i will cut one in half and photograph. They are a rusty brown in colour.

charlieb · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 03:11 PM

Sound like bacterial nodules? Something like Frankia/Frankiella ?

charlieb · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 03:12 PM

Some info here: Frankia Home

jessica37uk · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 07:53 PM

Thanks... They are root nodules.
they are much more compact than the ones in the picture.
oh well we shall keep on searching.
We would love to find a truffle in the uk. are they that elusive?