The Cultivation of Truffles

Back in May, in posting about our travels in Europe, I mentioned the importance of experience and how that might relate to local food. The food and wine industry are replete with examples that were once exclusive to one locale, later to be adapted to another. Truffles were once only a delicacy of Europe, but several enterprises are working to bring their cultivation to American shores.

Garland Truffles introduces itself as the "oldest and first successful grower of truffles in the Western Hemisphere. It is the only nursery in the United States that has grown and sold trees that are in production."

Sadly, don't look for these in Missouri anytime soon. As explained by New World Truffieres, truffles mature between December and the end of February. If its cold enough for the soil to freeze, they can be damaged. Unfortunately, Missouri weather is much too extreme for their production. New World reports that more southern parts of the Midwest, northern parts of the Southeast, parts of the Mid Atlantic States and a long strip along the West Coast in California, Oregon and Washington are possibilities, given the right conditions. Other areas may be suitable, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho, and Southwest British Columbia.