Perhaps the most-prized product of the Perigord is the Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum). Poets, chefs and gourmands have all been fascinated by the flavor and aroma of this fungus. Truffles have always been expensive, but now that their availability has decreased by 60 percent from the beginning of the twentieth century, they are truly out-of-sight -literally and figuratively.
Efforts are being made to increase truffle production and one of our most fun mornings was a visit to Edouard Aynaud, a truficulteur, in Saint Cyprien. Passionate and extremely knowledgeable about his subject, Edouard took us truffle hunting with his dog who won every one's heart with his beautiful face and friendly tail wags. Most important for Edouard, the dog has a talent for finding truffles and, unlike the pigs that used to be used for finding these earthy treasures, he won't eat his discoveries.
For a detailed discussion of truffle production and cultivation, I recommend Stephanie Alexander's Cooking and Traveling in South-West France.
Truffe en Perigord
Pechalifour
24220 Saint Cyprien
France
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