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The coastline of Lake Garda is overlooked by the stunning mountain range known as the Monte Baldo. This ridge of mountains on the westernmost point of the lake is renowned for the diversity of its flora, from the olive trees that grow near the lake shore to the alpine species found nearer the peaks. One of Monte Baldo’s most famous products is the black truffle (a type of edible fungus that grows underground). It is found in the woods of the Monte Baldo and can be collected between November and March. Other summer truffles are also found in the region but they are less celebrated than the famous black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) which was even mentioned in literature dating from the 16th century and has been delighting those with a taste for high quality gastronomy ever since.

Gathering truffles can be difficult and trained dogs are used since they can smell the intense aroma of ripe truffles underground. The dogs are also trained not to damage the delicate fungus as they dig them up. There are currently only about 100 authorised collectors of the Monte Baldo black truffle.

The black truffles quickly lose the intensity of their flavour and are best eaten within one day. To truly enjoy the experience, they are best eaten grated over risotto, tagliatelle or egg dishes such as frittata. Only a small amount is needed since the flavour is so intense and can easily dominate other ingredients in the dish. If the truffles must be stored, they can be frozen which preserves the flavour but can damage the texture so if freezing is necessary, the truffles are best then grated from frozen.

At the end of August each year in Caprino Veronese, there is a festival celebrating the Monte Baldo truffle. At the festival, you can try out for yourself the fantastic flavour of the famous black truffle, watch demonstrations of the specially trained dogs that dig for truffles and enjoy entertainments such as songs and dances dedicated to the famous truffle. In October, there is also a truffle week at San Zeno di Montagna. Here, you will find that local restaurants serve up dishes celebrating the truffle as an ingredient.

So, if you and your family are on holiday at Lake Garda and enjoy gastronomy, the black truffle of Monte Baldo is certainly worth investigating.