Scientists and botanists have explored truffles from the early 18th century, putting the magnificent truffle at the top of gastronomy since 1815, when it first appeared on the menu at the Congress in Vienna.
The Istrian region is gaining in reputation and successfully competes with Italian Truffle producing regions due to the quality of its truffles. It's all about Istria, a peninsula with favorable growing condition for this delicacy. The region is visited by increasing numbers of gourmets each year, in search of the perfect truffles.
Today Istria has become a major hedonistic destination. Here begins our story...
Premium truffles
Today, Premium Truffles are being sold in specialized food stores and served in the finest restaurants throughout Europe, from Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, France, Slovenia, the UK and Norway to name just a few.
In this westernmost part of Croatian Istria a peninsula located on the Adriatic coast, bordering Italy, known as a popular tourist destination and the Motovun Forest an extraordinary cultural and historical monument, an inspiration to artists and gourmets and a favorite site of lovers of nature and outdoor activities. It is however less known that Istria has for decades been the land of truffles. Istria is home to two soil types: deep red soil in the coastal area and gray clay soil in the central part. It is in these clay soils that truffles thrive. In the forefront is the Motovun-Montona forests, which are continuously kept moist by the river Mirna that flows through this forest. The Truffles are mostly located around Oprtalj-Portole, in the Livade region around Buzet. Buzet is known as the city of Truffles.
The Istria truffle, with its unique aroma, has always been a major part of the simple Istrian cuisine. From the ancient Romans who regarded it as a special treat to recent years as it has become increasingly valuable as a source of inspiration to numerous gastronomic successes. Truffles can complement many appetizers, salads, main dishes and even desserts. So don't be surprised if you are offered ice cream with Truffles or cake with Truffles. Each Truffle you taste is the result of perfect harmony between nature, man and man’s best friend. Hidden in the deep forests of the valley of the river Mirna, truffle hunting requires specially trained dogs with a sharp sense of smell. It is the relationship of taste, scents and tradition. This area boasts the second largest truffle in the world, weighing 1.3 kg.
In the autumn, Istria lives in the rhythm of truffles with plenty of festivals dedicated to this noble mushroom. Visitors, who come from all over, are treated to typical Istrian dishes with truffles: including fusi with Truffles an Istrian homemade pasta, gnocchi with Truffles, frittata with Truffles and various meat combinations. All these exhibitions and fairs are an opportunity to get acquainted with the world of this magical, aromatic tuber, known for its aphrodisiac characteristics.
