Rain brings mixed news for truffles

TRUFFLE experts say that rain during August has helped to boost their number, but further downpours could ruin them.

The first of the professional truffle markets at Carpentras, which traditionally sets the price of delicacies during the season, was held last week.

Its opening day saw 180kg of truffles sold for between €100-€150 a kilo, slightly lower than the average for the start of the season when truffles are less mature. As the season progresses this could rise four to seven-fold depending on the crop.

On November 20, the commune of Ménerbes, in the forests 35km from Carpentras, will receive the local government award the Marianne d'Or for its efforts in sustainable development, centred on protecting the “black diamond”.

Among the measures are exemptions from tax foncière on empty land (non-bâti) once a truffle-growing area has been discovered.

Provence produces 80% of France's truffles and two-thirds of the truffles on the world market.

In Burgundy the market at Noyers-sur-Serein has opened, selling truffles to the public at €35 per 100g.

Photo: Flickr/KimonBerlin