White truffles aren’t called kitchen diamonds for nothing. Their price can fetch from 2,000 to 8,000 euros per kilogram. And which country do they call the Land of Truffles? Mhm – it’s Serbia alright! Serbia is the real-deal White Truffle Garden of Eden.
Chefs worldwide would come running to Serbia, if they only knew how many of these white diamonds are hidden under Serbian soil.
Serbia, Land of the King of All Mushrooms
Even though hardly anyone knows this – Serbia literally “sits” on truffles! All kinds of truffles have been found at more than 250 locations in Serbia.
On the territory of Serbia over 40 species of mushrooms have been found, and from them an amazing 13 species are that of truffles. That means that on this relatively tiny piece of Europe nearly half of all known species of european truffles have been found.
And, SADLY, despite of all this promising potential, truffle hunting is only in the pioneering stages in Serbia. Serbia is also the only country that has an abundance of truffles and no proper market for them.
In 2012, Acqualagna, a small italian Village in central Italy, announced that it is planning to give a 1,012 kilogram white truffle worth $300,000 to President Obama as a reelection gift. Now that’s a truly titanic truffle!
Even though everyone would agree that 3,000 (usually more if we’re honest) is a lot of money for 1 kilogram of mushrooms, people still cough up these amazing amounts of cash for a date with the King of Mushrooms. And they’re eager to do it! But why does it cost such a pretty penny?
White Truffle, a Gastronomic Gem
It’s called the “Nectar of Gods” and the “Food for Aristocrats”. And not without reason. This gem can only be afforded by the very (very) rich.
The white truffle is the most expensive mushroom on the planet, firstly because it isn’t something you can cultivate. It grows in the wild, by order of Mother Nature.
Secondly, truffles, and white truffles in particular, have a unique aroma created by fallen rain and untouched soil. They also have a rather distinctive smell. Their taste and smell, delicate yet complex, give every dish that special something that causes all gourmets’ mouths to water.
And lastly, apart from its gastronomic superbness, the white truffle is known for its medicinal properties – it regenerates grey matter and strengthens the organism.
Follow Your Nose… To Serbia!
The elusive white truffle is EXTREMELY RARE. And in Serbia EXTREMELY ABUNDANT. It grows in lowlands, beneath oak and poplar trees. It hides in the ground, and it’s good at it! That’s why you need help from our furry friends to find it.
You could’ve just as easily seen a pig instead of a dog on that picture. Pigs were the original truffle hunters. So, if you see a determined Serb walking a pig towards a forest like it’s a hunting dog, try not to look so baffled.
This precious and costly fungi has been found in west Srem, south Banat, in the vicinity of Pančevo, Valjevo, Bor and many other places.
However, to be fair, there is a bit of a problem with “hunting pigs”. They tend not to want to give the truffle back once they find it. Pigs simply love to take a 3000-euro-worth nibble.
There is a high demand, but no adequate supply, for the white truffle on the global market. In Los Angeles casinos, for example, a medium-size truffle hamburger costs over 5,000 dollars. And, also in the US, a kilogram of vanilla/truffle-sprinkled chocolate costs 6,000 dollars. That’s a high price to pay for having a sweet tooth!
So if you ever wondered how a white diamond tastes, or if you want to get between 2,000 and 8,000 euro for one mushroom, we strongly suggest buying a dog or a pig (go with the pig – it’s more fun!) and rushing to Serbia, the Promised Land for Truffle Hunters!
Featured Photo: www.grubstreet.com
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