From late September through December, Piedmont plays host to gastrotourists from around the world who flock to the UNESCO World Heritage site for the white truffles, tartufi bianchi . If you are one of those who want to experience the world of white truffles in Piedmont, then Castello di Vaglio Serra is the destination for you.
What are white truffles?
Truffles are tubers that grow a few centimeters underground, close to roots of hardwood trees like oaks, hazelnut, and chestnut. While all truffles are deeply valued, the white truffle from Alba is the most desired for its unforgettable flavor. They have a knobby shape, firm flesh, and pale golden color.
How do you find truffles?
The best way to find truffles is by using trained dogs. Without a talented dog, you will simply miss truffles or not find them at all.
The dogs mostly smell only ripe truffles and when you find one you can almost be sure that the truffle has matured perfectly. An excellent dog will not just find it and bark, but would also bring back the truffles to you in exchange for a treat.
Cooking with white truffles
For preparation, white truffles are almost never cooked. The power of their flavor is in their strong scent, and cooking them will destroy that. Simply slice them thinly (a truffle shaver is a must for this task) over a finished dish of pasta, risotto, etc., and allow the heat of the food to release the aroma.
From October to December, the white truffle makes its way onto the dinner tables of local restaurants, adding the rich, earthy aroma to our favorite meals. This is an experience that no foodie wants to miss out on!
Experience the truffle season in Piedmont at Castello di Vaglio Serra
Together with Valentina from Divino Piemonte, we can arrange a walk with a local Italian truffle hunter and his trained dog through the woods of the Monferrato hills. It is truly a unique experience when the dog finds a hidden truffle and starts to dig the ground! You can smell it directly. After the truffle hunt you can optionally have a glass of wine and some real Piemontese appetizers. During summer you will hunt for the black summer truffle and from October you will hunt for the even more delicious white truffle.
Visit International Alba White Truffle Fair
The International Alba White Truffle Fair is one of the top showcases of high-class cuisine and Italian excellence. The Alba White Truffle World Market is the ideal place to appreciate and buy truffles from the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero area. Within the Truffle Market you will find Alba Truffle Show: the space dedicated to Cooking Shows with great chefs, the Truffle Sensory Analysis, the Wine Tasting Experience, tastings with territories of food and wine excellence and “taste weddings” among the hills of Langhe, Monferrato and Roero along with guests, events and debates.
The Alba White Truffle fair is only a 40 minute drive from Castello di Vaglio Serra and thus the perfect 1-day excursion.
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