In France, it is illegal to collect truffles with just a tool, a pick. This recognises that it is difficult to locate the particular spot for the hidden truffle(s). . An unripe truffle has no or very little value. As soon as the truffle has ‘budged’, it loses its links with the microscopic mycelium or the fine roots, and its food, whether it is ripe or not.
The trained dog can only do the right thing with the help of its master. And the master needs to be trained too first. It is a long process. This is why this knowledge in the past was known to be passed from parent to offspring.
Locating a ripe truffle spot
This is not a posing picture! My son took this picture as I was training the dogs in an area full of rabbits and badgers on a freezing day. Their determination and enthusiasm to find the truffle can be guessed.
Why all this training and precautions?
There can be many reasons why this lump of dirt is ‘raised’, why a fly flew off. The surface truffles are generally not fit for commercialisation as insects are far better at finding them first, unripe unfortunately and of no culinary value. Using large tools on untargeted areas destroys the roots and the mycelium that feed the truffles; ripe and unripe truffles are dug up. They do not ripen nicely for the table once picked. The following days’ crop is lost, as well as next year’s jeopardised.
If a truffle is located, dogs and handler can damage it, even with a delicate small hand tool.
Some flies and larva imbibe the truffles so they cannot be located by dogs, and only the trained human eyes and diagnostic tests can seek the signs. These productive areas can be targeted for maintenance and control.
Man and dog are necessary to pick the best ripe truffles, each using their skills acquired with appropriate training.
