Istria - Truffle Days

Truffle - the noble fungi - were not only a delicacy during the Greek and Roman times, but are still a fine ingredient in gastronomy today. Truffles grow only under certain climatic and geological conditions and, at the same time, they need to be sniffed out from under the earth. This is why they are not widely used and also quite expensive. One region where you can find both black and white truffles is in  Istria. The best growing conditions for the coveted fungus are located in the so-called “truffle triangle” of Istria between Pazin, Buje and Buzet, in the region around the Mirna River, as well as in the forests of Motovun, in particular. Every year in Istria in honor of this aromatic, bulbous mushroom, the truffle days take place, where you get truffles served not only in tasty dishes, but can also learn about this valuable food in detail in exhibitions and events.

In under just four weeks (from early September to early November) the inhabitants of Istria organize different events concerning truffles in the cities around the truffle triangle. Among the events is the cooking of a giant pot of scrambled eggs with truffles, which consists of 2015 eggs and 10 kg of truffles as well as the Tuber Festival with fairs, exhibitions and truffle auctions. The main events during the Truffle Days in Istria include the Zigante Truffle Days in Livade which is the Istrian truffle center near the town of Motovun. Throughout the event, those visiting the exhibition tents can try truffle products for free as well as sampling other Istrian and Croatian specialties and wine. The highlights of the Zigante Truffles Days consist of not only the cooking shows, which take place twice a day, but programs put on by Croatian and foreign top chefs and last but not least, the truffle hunt. The search takes place every Sunday during the festival, whereby participants are taught (maximum 50 people) how to search for truffles on site in the Motovun Forest with specially trained dogs. Registration for the hunt is required, but there is no fee. Recently, there has been a sommelier course offered that gives specialized insights into selected Istrian and Croatian wines. The participation fee costs 350 € and is organized by the Croatian Sommelier Club.

The end of the four week Truffle Days celebration ends with a weekend bang in Buzet, where visitors will find a varied program with exhibitions for tastings, sales, cooking shows and courses, as well as a colorful children's program. In 2015, the Truffle Days of Istria will be from September 12 to November 08. The dates for the Zigante Truffle Days are between September 20 to November 01. Fairs and exhibitions are usually free of charge, as well as the sampling of truffles and other products. Any additional courses taken or restaurant visited require a fee.