Williamsburg Regional Library

Taming the truffle, the history, lore, and science of the ultimate mushroom, Ian R. Hall, Gordon T. Brown, Alessandra Zambonelli

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 254-295) and index

illustrationsmaps

index present

non fiction

Taming the truffle

bibliography

128236890

Ian R. Hall, Gordon T. Brown, Alessandra Zambonelli

the history, lore, and science of the ultimate mushroom

Whether the world's best truffles are found in Piedmont or Perigord inspires impassioned debate, but the effects of dwindling supply and insatiable demand for the elusive, ultimate mushroom are unquestionable: prices through the roof, intrigue and deception, and ever more intensive efforts to cultivate. The secrets of when, how, and where to collect truffles have benn passed from generation to generation since ancient times, but artificial cultivation remains the holy grail. Here in the most comprehensive practical treatment of the gastronomic treasure to date, the art and science of the high-stakes pursuit come together. Their enthusiasm and expertise leavened with wry humor, the authors explore the newest techniques; they describe the commercial species in detail along with their host plants, natural habitats, cultivation and mintenance, pests and diseases, and harvesting with pigs, dogs, truffle flies, and even the electronic nose. Pursuit of the fungus that costs more than gold is not for the faint of heart nor for those in a hurry, as under ideal conditions, truffle production in artificial truffieres can begin after three years but results may not be seen until a decade after planting, and maximum yields not for another decade still. So there is time to read and prepare, and no better source than this one

From the past comes the present -- Science to the rescue -- Identifying truffle species -- The habitats of some commercial truffles -- Establishing a truffière -- Maintenance of truffières -- The rewards

adult