Lombardy Sets Summer Truffle Harvest Rules in Brescia Regions

On Brescia’s tables, the king of truffles will be served all summer, as the Lombardy Region has established the harvesting period from June to September. The daily per capita quantity cannot exceed one kilogram unless a single truffle surpasses that weight. The regulations governing truffle harvesting in Lombardy for the 2001-2002 period were approved by decree by the Regional Council. The schedule varies not only between the provinces of Brescia and Pavia but also for the province of Mantua.

Production Areas and Species

The Brescia regions dedicated to truffle production include Valtenesi, the morainic hills and Gargnano, the Valle Sabbia, and its mountains. All nine species have been confirmed in these areas: among which the unbeatable white truffle (Tuber Magnatum) and the black truffle (Tuber Melanosporum), whose harvesting begins before Christmas.

Development and Vegetative Cycle of the Truffle

The truffle develops underground and is connected in its vegetative cycle to a tree partner, such as an oak or pine, with which it maintains a symbiotic relationship.