FINALIST#3: Truffles – Hunting, Cooking & Tasting

Truffle hunting was once prohibited in Istria, yet it has been practiced since the early 19th century. This is one of the reasons the hunt for truffles remains shrouded in mystery.

The knowledge is passed down from generation to generation and shared only with trusted friends, while the locations are kept as closely guarded secrets. Istrian truffles are coveted by top chefs and make gourmets’ mouths water. Join a small group of enthusiasts and discover the secret world of Istrian truffles alongside a truffle hunter and his trained dog. Learn everything you need to know about truffles. Enrich your truffle experience by learning how to prepare them and indulge in the tasting of this extraordinary culinary delicacy.

Day 1

Gathering of Participants & Brief Introduction to Istria (15 min)
We will meet at the bus stop in the village of Gažon, where our host will be waiting for us. She will begin by sharing a few interesting facts about Istria, and then we’ll head together towards the forest.

• Walk to the Forest (10 min)
  We’ll take a pleasant stroll through the village, enjoying the natural beauty of the Istrian landscape. The path is easy and suitable for everyone.
• Truffle Hunt (1 hour)
  At the edge of the forest, we’ll be greeted by a truffle hunter and his loyal dog. We’ll learn (almost) everything there is to know about truffles, which dog breeds are suitable for truffle hunting, how to train a truffle dog … and other secrets of the truffle world.

We’ll observe the process of searching for, marking, and digging up truffles, learn the rules of truffle collection, and discover the dog’s role before and during the digging. Then comes the highlight… we’ll hold a fresh truffle in our hands, feel its texture, examine its structure, and finally—smell it. Priceless!

Return to the Village (10 min)

• Culinary Experience (2 hours – flexible, depending on the guests’ mood)

We’ll taste a variety of local truffle products—white and black truffle spreads, truffle-infused cheese and salami—paired with a glass of Istrian Malvasia wine from a nearby village.

Then we’ll roll up our sleeves and prepare traditional Istrian fuži pasta with truffles. We’ll enjoy the fruits of our labour.

We’ll also take part in a guided tasting to learn how to recognize the flavor of fresh truffles, understand their components, and most importantly, distinguish them from the many flavoured (and often synthetic) truffle substitutes commonly used.

All of this will unfold under the pergola of a charming Istrian homestead, with a glass of fine Malvasia and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

• Visit to Koper (2 hours)
  Our host is also a licensed tour guide, so we’ll take a leisurely walk through the medieval town of Koper. And if the sea proves too tempting, we won’t resist a refreshing dip for long. 

• Recommended: weather-appropriate sportswear and footwear, sun and insect protection
  • Pets: allowed, but must be kept on a leash

Contact of the Provider:

IstraTerra, d.o.o. 
Ferrarska ulica 16, Koper
T: +386 51 420 711
E: info@istraterra.com
W: www.istraterra.com
      www.truffles-hunting.com/tour/istria-truffles-hunting-cooking-tasting-slovenia

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