Hunting In California
The truffle is a mushroom that has formed a symbiotic relationship their environment. They grow underground among the roots of the trees with only a few types of trees as cedar and maples that are not associated with truffle forming fungi.
Many mushrooms look quite similar to truffles but are poisonous so never eat a mushroom wild without the guidance of an expert. Truffles are found underground among the roots of chestnut, elm, oak, pine and willow in autumn, winter and spring.
Where can I find truffles?
Truffles are quite common in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, from California to Oregon and Washington to British Colombia. They have also been reported to have been found in Idaho and Montana but these rumors have not been validated.
How do I find truffles?
In the United States three key things are used by mushroom hunters in search of the elusive fungus. The first is that the ground beneath trees should be moist and warm. A good time for search is 10 to 14 days after a heavy rain well.
The second clue is that the type of tree must be present. Look for beech, birch, Douglas fir, eucalyptus, pine, hazelnut, walnut, oak and pine.
The third key is that fungi need truffle animals to disperse the spores. Look for signs of rodents or other small animals like squirrels have been digging in the area.
Using four garden cultivator tine for raking leaves and other debris from the surface of the earth from 10 feed from the trunk of the tree working inward. Working at a depth 1 to 6 inches. Always replace the garbage when you're done and leave the area as you found it. Truffles can be brown, red, black and white in color and often looks like a small lump of earth.
A ripe truffle will smell like fried sunflower seeds or walnut, not by everyone has the ability to detect the odor. In the past, pigs have been used for truffle hunting. A female pig (sows) become sexually aroused when they smell the fungi because it produces an odor similar to smell of sex hormones produced by a male pig.
How do I store truffles?
Truffles should be used as fresh as possible but if you are a hunter extraordinary, then you can store them in a paper bag for several days. Never store in a plastic bag because they mold very quickly. They can also be frozen in a glass jar or olive oil bath. Olive oil absorbs flavor and can be added during food preparation. A dehydrator can be used to dry the mushroom for later use. Soaking in warm water for about half an hour before use is recommended.
Where can I sell my treasures?
You can sell in the elegant restaurant, a local farmers market and at swap meets for $ 65 to $ 80 per pound for white truffles and $ 100 $ 150 per pound of black truffles. This fungus is used in gourmet dishes from around the world and is in high demand. The flavor is often compared to garlic and mushroom mixture. It serves often raw in salads, omelets and pasta. On a good day you can find 4 or 5 pounds, not the work of a bad day.
Happy treasure hunting.
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit Treasure Hunting
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