Truffle hunting and extraction in Italy: traditional knowledge and practices
"Truffle hunting and extraction in Italy, traditional knowledge and practice" was
inscribed in December 2021 on the UNESCORepresentative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Italian truffle hunting and extraction is a set of knowledge and practices that has been transmitted orally for centuries. Today, it still characterizes the rural life of entire communities in the Italian peninsula. Truffle hunters, or tartufai, usually live in rural areas and small villages.
The tradition and knowledge related to truffle hunting and extraction is spread in the hilly area around Casale Monferrato, in particular in Valle Ghenza, Valcerrina and Moncalvese areas, where in Autumn there are National and Regional Truffle Fairs to celebrate truffles but also the knowledge of the so called “trifulau” (truffle-hunters in the local dialect) and their trusty “tabui” (truffle-hunting dogs in the local dialect).
If you would like to live the experience of truffle hunting and extraction, please write an email at iat.casalemonferrato@alexala.it or have a look at the Tourist Offers section on the ATL Alexala - Alessandria & Monferrato Tourist Board website.