Join San Pietro to celebrate the elusive – and delicious – truffle!
Prized for their rarity as much as for their distinct flavour, truffles are quite rightly one of the most luxurious ingredients out there. This is why, over the next month, we will be diving into why truffles are held in such high regard, how they are hunted in Piero’s homeland and what value is attached to them today.
Highly seasonal, extremely difficult to grow, and taking many years to cultivate, and with a considerable price tag attached – which in the UK can range from £90/kg to £270/kg for black truffles, let alone their even more elusive white counterpart – wild truffles, for many foodies, are the epitome of luxury dining.
Having grown up in Sicily, truffle hunting is something Piero grew up around; with truffle pigs and dogs rustling around in the foothills of the island, sniffing out this incredibly prized ingredient. Thanks to the island’s Mediterranean warmth, rich soil, and unique microclimates, both white and black truffles grow in abundance across Sicily; unbeknown to most!
Once again in season in Piero’s homeland, the San Pietro team is paying homage to the truffle over the coming weeks, a celebration which will culminate in a Truffe Dinner, taking place on 21st November, where each dish will feature this distinctive ingredient.
When do the Sicilians go hunting?
The best time to go truffle hunting in Sicily is during autumn, typically from late September to early December. With the cooler weather, truffles are at their peak and dogs are able to sniff them out easily, without overheating.
How do the Italians and Sicilians celebrate truffles?
It wouldn’t be Italy without a festival – and there are countless dedicated to the truffle, including:
- Fiera Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco di Campoli Appennino: Takes place in Campoli, 50 minutes from Rome, on the last two weekends of November
- Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Tartufo di Valtopina: Takes place in Valtopina, near Assisi and Perugia, on the last two weekends of November
- 27th Edizione della Fiera del Tartufo e Miele: Takes place in Casteggio, an hour’s drive from Milan, on November 27
- Fiera del Tartufo Bianco Pregiato a Muzzana: Takes place in Muzzana del Turgnano, near Udine, from November 25-27
- Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco: Takes place in Sigillo near Perugia, Umbria, from December 7-8
- San Miniato Truffle Fair: Takes place in the village of San Miniato, between Florence and Pisa, on the last three weekends of November
How does San Pietro celebrate truffles?
We’ll be bringing you more truffle insights in the lead-up to our Truffle Dinner draws ever closer. Bookings are now open for the dinner taking place on November 21st, 59pp, with the option of adding a wine flight (3 glasses to compliment the evening’s menu) at an additional 29pp.