San Miniato Truffle Hunt with Inserrata
Just a few kilometers from San Miniato, in the heart of Tuscany, Inserrata organic farm invites you to a unique experience: truffle hunting in its woodlands, characterized by tufaceous soil—a calcareous substrate perfectly suited for truffle growth. Here, the symbiosis between soil and mycorrhizal plants creates an ideal ecosystem for various truffle species.
In these woods, oaks such as downy oak, Turkey oak, pedunculate oak, and holm oak predominate, accompanied by hazel, linden, hornbeam, willow, ash, and a variety of shrubs including cornelian cherry, blackthorn, and hawthorn. This complex plant network forms the foundation of the mycorrhizal symbiosis that allows truffles to develop.
The seasonal cycle of truffles unfolds throughout the year. The prized white truffle (Tuber magnatum pico) is harvested from autumn to winter, while in spring and until April, the marzuolo or bianchetto truffle (Tuber borchii) can be found. Summer, from May to November, is the season of the scorzone or summer truffle (Tuber aestivum), while the prized black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) can be found between November and March—a period that overlaps with the white truffle season.
The adventure begins by welcoming participants at the meeting point: the truffle hunter explains the characteristics of the tufaceous soil, the role of mycorrhizal plants, and introduces his truffle dog—usually a certified Lagotto Romagnolo trained in specialized facilities in the San Miniato area. The walk through the woods becomes an immersive lesson on the relationship between flora and underground fungi: the dog sniffs, signals, and gently digs, while the truffle hunter carefully extracts the truffle, respecting the soil.
This experience is designed for those who wish to spend a day immersed in nature, learning to recognize truffles and the surrounding flora, guided by an expert and his trusted dog. There’s a package for every season: from the winter white truffle, to the spring marzuolo, the summer scorzone, and the prized black truffle between winter and spring.
Upon returning, Inserrata offers a convivial tasting of the freshly foraged truffles, paired with its organic wines—products of a winemaking approach deeply rooted in respect for the environment and biodiversity, carried on by this family-run farm since 1997. In this setting, participants not only discover the authentic flavors of Tuscany but also the stories tied to its woodlands and local traditions.
Availability is limited to ensure a high-quality experience and full respect for the environment. If you’d like to experience the magic of truffle hunting in the tufaceous woodlands of San Miniato with Inserrata, click here to book your package.