"Tis the truffle season - new truffle tours with Forage Safaris
The illusive Black Truffle, aka Perigord Truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is hiding out of sight, below our feet, clinging to the very roots that has been its home for at least the last five years. We cannot see them, but we have now learnt to smell for them, guided by our very own four-legged hunter – a truffle dog. Sporting sanitised boots, gloves, armed with special spades, cameras at the ready and scarves to keep out the wind, we march to the truffiere like a determined army.
Forage Safaris full day immersive farm tour is delighted to add truffle hunting onto the winter itinerary. Leaving from Busselton early in the morning, our first stop is Nannup for an all-important coffee fix. Then we are off to catch the early feeding at a trout and marron farm where we witness fish leaping out of the water to get their feed. Big nets hang over the ponds deterring the many scavengers looking for a quick feed of trout or pellets, while black swans and ducks break the silence with the of beating their wings against the crisp air. The scene is honestly as it is explained, pure magic – this is Manjimup at its purest.
Driving from farm to farm is no less spectacular. Rolling hills brimming with avocados, vines, potatoes, apples and an array of produce which are separated with a scattering of shimmering dams. The South Forests region is a sight to behold with its variety of beautiful trees, huge forests, and explorative hiking trails. We arrive at the gate of our newest adventure to the sight of the sheep grazing amongst the avocados trees and are in awe of the peace and quiet of our location. After an informative introduction to the truffle by the farmer, its life span, what to look for, experiencing the earthy smell and rough touch, we make our way down the hill to experience the hunt.
The first thing that we notice is one very happy, incredibly well trained, busy black Labrador with its nose to the ground, tail up and wagging, moving from tree to tree, back again, around the base, slight scratch on the soil and then the dog sits – waiting for praise and a treat from its handler -that’s one truffle found. Good dog! The truffle marker is placed, and the call “truffle” alerts the dog to find the next, and the next. It is hard to get these incredible dogs to actually stop working, to drink some water, or just sit. The dogs are rotated often, and the excited barks of the replacement dog tells you just how much they love this work.
As the dog moves on, we follow and squat down at each marker watching how to carefully ease the damp, dark soil around the area, check the soil for the smell, then the careful dig begins until the truffle is found. Time and patience are essential, as no one wants to scuff a truffle. This is the moment – what size will it be, what shape, what weight? Holding a dirt covered truffle in the palm of your gloved hand for the first time is strangely exciting. Our senses are constantly working whilst taking in the beautiful views across the farm and savouring the smell of the turned earth, as we follow the markings of the happy hunter
Back in the farm shed the truffles receive their first clean, then another clean where any remnant of the soil is removed and kept being replaced into the truffiere, before the truffle is then left to dry. The ideal shape is to be as round as a ball, regardless, the taste remains powerful and strong. We now reach the pinnacle of the tour, to taste the truffle served in a variety of ways, which are earthy and delicious. In this instance we tried fresh truffle oil, truffle in brie, and truffle with cheese and prosciutto.
While reluctant to leave the truffles and the panting dogs, we continue on our tour exploring more of this beautiful region, visiting more farms to complete our South West Trail.
The truffle season generally runs from June to August, but we can still visit this farm throughout the year to learn about the truffles and enjoy a farm walk.