A Truffle experience - and what happenned to the pig?

Last weekend was the 4th annual Trufa-Te Truffle Festival in the charming medieval city of Ainsa. After making the 4 hour drive out there we had the opportunity to witness how these gastronomic wonders can be used in tapas and full meals. Even though the rain picked up an hour after it started, the people still came out in force for the chance to sample tapas and buy truffles direct from the farmers. At 650 euros/kg, more than 7 kgs were sold in just 3 hours.

Afterwards, we had the chance to speak with one of the coordinators, and our interview was very enlightening. We learned, for example, that the traditional use of pigs to search for truffles has almost entirely been phased out. After doing some research we did find one farmer who still has a pig, although he doesn't use it for hunting truffles anymore. For one, the pigs tended to eat the truffles. Secondly, dogs are much easier to train and control. A good truffle dog is expensive. If the truffle itself is an expensive treat, the dogs that find them are just as highly regarded. One truffle hunter told us that he was offered over 10,000 euros for his, and he turned it down without even thinking twice!

In all a great weekend with truffles at the heart, and it's great to see the rural regions of Spain on display! The season is almost over, but we've already begun setting up next year's truffle experiences. We'll keep you up on our blog!

For more information or to plan a private guided tour to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch