Truffle Fall in Istria: Delicacies for Gourmets
Autumn truffle season in Istria is the favorite time of year for all gourmets and foodies - because this is when the delicious tubers are back in high season.
September 24, 2024
The Croatian Adriatic peninsula has long been more than just a popular summer destination for beach vacations. The region has also become a hotspot in the cooler months. The reason: truffle fall in Istria! When the noble mushroom celebrates its peak season, people pay homage to it in gourmet restaurants, country inns and at numerous events.
Mirna Valley's Treasure
Motovun is a truly picturesque little town. Centuries-old buildings cling to the hill high above the Mirna Valley. Below them, you'll find vineyards, and further down in the valley are dense oak forests. And this is where the treasure from the Mirna Valley is hidden. It's the precious white truffle. Those familiar with botany know it by its name, Tuber Mangatum pico. Specially trained dogs assist the Tartufai in their search. Only a few locals have the license to do so. They sell their treasures to gourmet restaurants all over the world and, of course, in their own country.
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The white truffle, also known as the Alba or Piedmont truffle, is the typical autumn truffle. It's found exclusively in Istria and northern Italy. Because it is so rare, it's only eaten raw on dishes. This is how it has achieved world fame. This special truffle can be recognized by its smooth, delicate ochre skin and white to intense pink flesh. Seasonally, truffle fall in Istria is actually followed by truffle winter - albeit in France. This is because the Périgord truffle, the best known of the black varieties, is then in high season in France.
Hunt your own truffles
Guests who would like to go in search of this inconspicuous but unmistakable plant themselves can do so together with a licensed tartufai. Some of them offer regular guided tours in small groups. Of course, a successful excursion also includes tasting the exquisite treasure. Whether in the company's own refined products such as chocolate or beer or on pasta, the taste experience is guaranteed. You can book a truffle tour among the following: Karlic Tartufi, Zigante and Pietro & Pietro.
Karlic Tartufi mit seinen Hunden, © Karlic Tartufi
Truffle fall in Istria: Restaurant tips
Of course, the noble mushroom tastes best directly where it grows and in combination with excellent cuisine. Fortunately, Istria has some great gourmet restaurants with a focus on truffles:
Gourmetrestaurant Zigante
Giancarlo Zigante, © Günter Standl
The Zigante family has a flourishing truffle trade. But that doesn't stop them from running a fine dining restaurant with an original ambience. Every dish on the menu is refined with black or white truffles, depending on the season. It doesn't matter whether it's dessert or soup.
Gourmetrestaurant Zigante
Livade 7, 52427, Livade, Croatia
Tel.: +385 52 664 302
Web: restaurantzigante.com
Konoba Stari Podrum
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If you like rustic and seasonal food, you've come to the right place. The enchanting restaurant in the hinterland celebrates the truffle fall in Istria in its own way. The autumn menu includes delicacies such as toast with truffle lard, truffle pasta and grilled truffle steaks. Right next door is the Kozlovic winery. It's one of the best of its kind in Croatia.
Konoba Stari Podrum
Most, 52462, Merišće, Croatia
Tel.: +385 52 79 152
Web: staripodrum.info
Agroturismo Toncic
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The farm is situated in a wonderful panoramic location. It also attracts guests with its delicious, high-quality cuisine. Down-to-earth dishes always have a fixed place on the menu. Izak Toncic is the fourth generation of Tartufai. It's no wonder that they also serve great truffle dishes with excellent value for money all year round.
Agroturismo Toncic
Čabarnica 42 Zrenj, 52428, Oprtalj, Croatia
Tel.: +385 91 206 0512
Web: agroturizam-toncic.com.hr
Truffle festivals
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The tuber is celebrated on many weekends until November. For example, Motovun celebrates the wine and truffle festival “TeTa”. In the village of Sovinjak near Buzet, the “Bela nedeja” is also held at the beginning of October. This is a folk festival with truffles and numerous other local products. The Zigante Truffle Days are celebrated in Livade on seven autumn weekends. Another highlight is “Subotina”. Here, people celebrate with a giant pan of fritaja made from 2,000 eggs and 10 kg of truffles.
Read more: Truffle highlights in autumn: 5 special addresses for gourmets
