La scams black truffle is a product of French gastronomy that does not leave you indifferent. Its rarity and unique taste make it an essential dish in the kitchen! But the truffle is also a mysterious product, which raises many questions that Michel Tournayre of Truffières d'Uzès was kind enough to answer for us. Here is everything you need to know about the black truffle of the Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard!
Portrait of Michel Tournayre: a life dedicated to truffles
For the Tournayres, the passion for truffles has been a family affair for four generations. Michel Tournayre takes over the reins of the family business The Truffières of Uzès in the 1980s. In 1991, after a crisis affecting the asparagus fields, he decided to concentrate the activity on truffle cultivation from 1996, making this culture the heart of his domain.
A visionary, in 1999 he created a unique arboretum in France, dedicated to truffle trees, and made it available to researchers. His commitment goes beyond production: he initiates visits for the general public and develops an educational and gastronomic project around truffles.
President of the Truffle Growers' Union of France and Europe, Michel Tournayre has made the Truffières d'Uzès a place of exchange and innovation, recognized internationally. In July 2022, he was awarded the title of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor, crowning a career dedicated to truffles, science and gastronomy.
How does truffle grow?
The truffle is a symbiotic fungus. To grow and bear fruit, this fungus must
associate with the roots of a tree (oak, hazel, lime tree, etc.). It also requires calcareous soils and a
mild and mild winter weather.
When is the truffle harvest in the Pays d’Uzès Pont du Gard?
Truffles are harvested from the beginning of December to the beginning of March, with two big months being December and
January.
What is the difference between white truffle and black truffle?
They are simply two different species, like the porcini mushroom and the morel! There are over 100
varieties of truffle in the world. Nine are authorized by trade legislation to be
found in gastronomy, including the black winter truffle and the white summer truffle.
How do you preserve truffles?
The ideal is of course to eat it fresh, like any product that comes out of the ground! Otherwise, it can be kept for about 10 days in the bottom of the fridge with absorbent paper or rice so that it spoils less quickly, because it is a product mainly composed of water. It is also possible to put it in the freezer, but at the risk of losing the firmness and quality of the product.
Why are truffles so expensive?
Truffles are the most complex and aromatically rich local product.
in French gastronomy. It is a unique product, exceptional in organoleptic terms, which explains its high price. It is also a story of supply and demand. When demand is
higher than the offer prices rise, there is no secret!
Any tips for cooking and eating black truffles?
The smell of truffles is more powerful than the taste. The strategy to adopt is therefore to transform
smell in taste and promote fats. In cooking the most important thing is to stay in the
neutrality. With dishes that are too complex or too powerful, the truffle will fade. So opt for very neutral dishes: eggs, potatoes, pasta, etc. When cooking with truffles, you don't enhance the dish with the truffle, but you enhance the truffle with the dish!
Bonus: Michel Tournayre’s favorite dish!
A delicious pasta dish with grated truffle!
Find out more during the truffle weekend. Many events are organized around this local product. Attend a truffle hunting demonstration, buy a fresh truffle directly from the producers or treat yourself to a truffle menu in a restaurant in the city. There are many pleasures! You can also attend one of our “History and truffle flavors” guided tours, to learn more about its history in the heart of the city of Uzès and taste delicious truffle dishes.
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