In Istria, in the forests of the Mirna river valley, a special sort of mushroom – truffle, has found its habitat. What is it that is so mystic and attractive in an underground, at first sight awkward plant looking like potato, that the people are willing to spend a fortune and proclaim it „king of the gastronomy“? Which one is better – the white one or the black one? What exactly are truffles in the culinary world – mushrooms or spices? Truffle is a subterraneous mushroom of intensive, recognisable odour, of distinct, unique aroma and taste. The richest finding places of this mushroom in Croatia are exactly in the region of Istria where it was firstly discovered in 1929. These finding places are located in the region of central Istria, in wet Motovun forest where the Mirna River runs through, more precisely – near the village Livade and in Buzeština, where Buzet is already known as the “town of truffles”. The biggest truffle ever found in this region, which was then recorded in the Guinness World Records book, was taken out in 1999 near Buje and it weighted impressive 1,31 kg. Although in many Istrian restaurants the truffles can be tasted in combination with different main courses and side dishes, the gastronomers will say that truffles give their maximum when they play the main role on the plate. Finally, it is worth mentioning truffles in combination with Istrian fuži or home made polenta as the truffle is here definitely in the first plan. Istria is the habitat of the big white truffle also known as “Tuber Magnatum Pico”, and three other sorts of black truffles and as their seasons take turns, in Istria you can taste truffles whole year round. And as for the story on their aphrodisiac effects…? Well… you will have to find that answer yourselves…:-)
Tags: Gastronomy, Istria