Ten years ago most people thought “truffles” were dense, dark chocolate balls that we indulged in for dessert. Looks like this is changing. Culinary enthusiasts have discovered that true truffles come from the earth. And though dense and dark chocolate-y in appearance, their aromas will defy any singular description.
Black Truffles are fungi that live their entire life in the soil, below ground.
But never alone, always connected. Like so many of us, truffles thrive in relationship, in symbiosis. With trees and bacteria and insects and wild boars and many, many more. They all fit like a puzzle. When fully mature, the truffle emits a complex range of earthy, volatile aromas, designed to signal and to attract, to interact and to communicate with the other organisms.
In the hands of a great chef, truffles can cast a spell and spark desire and curiosity.
Now is the time to quench that curiosity! Winter is coming on–the season when Black Truffles ripen. When trained dogs lead their masters in search of black gold—from the limestone soils of Italy, France and Spain.
Yes, Spain is a well-kept truffle lover’s secret, where 30-40% of Europe’s prestigious “Perigord” truffles are collected from both natural and cultivated sites. In regions of spectacular and even stark natural beauty, quite off the beaten path; far from big cities, near villages whose glory passed with the passing of history, where the stone monuments and proud people remain to tell some remarkable stories.
We invite you to join a pilgrimage to experience the elusive Black Truffle, in situ, in Spain. We leave Madrid behind to begin in Soria, a capital city located on the Duero River, the river that gave its name to the excellent wines of this region (D.O. Ribera del Duero). Each day brings an outdoor adventure, beginning with a truffle hunt near the sweet village of Valdegenia. All week long we will explore the limestone canyons, old castles, medieval villages, fountains and history from the heart of Spain, a place rich in roots from Celtic, Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian cultures. And we will dine on truffles, prepared in the most sophisticated and rustic of styles.
Join us for an experiential and inspirational taste of symbiosis. You will get to know truffle habitat, the hunters and their dogs, our wonderful chefs and wine experts, and the secrets of the aromas. You can relax into the joys and connectivity that evolve when we share good food, good company, curiosity and an adventuresome spirit and palate.
Registration is open for this annual black truffle tour in Spain
Come to Soria Spain when the truffles are ripe, and bring a companion!
February 8-15, 2015
Discovering the Roots of the Black Truffle: A winter pilgrimage to Spain
With truffle experts, Christine Fischer and Jose Santana
http://sitkaservicesllc.com/2015-trip-details/
Support the making of the film, Fantastic Fungi, by joining this adventure in February. Ten % of your tour registration will be donated toward the Kickstarter campaign when you mention you are a “Fantastic Friend.”
Go to the Sitka Services contact page and tell us in your message that you support Fantastic Fungi, and you will receive personal attention for registration and payment: http://sitkaservicesllc.com/contact-us/
About Christine Fischer
Christine Fischer is a truffle researcher at the Forest Science Center of Catalonia, Spain and an internationally recognized expert, specializing in the ecology and cultivation of the black truffle. She loves how the mysteries of truffle stimulate the unique conversations among truffle hunters and growers, nurserymen, dog trainers, scientists and culinary artists. She draws on her many years of outdoor adventures, travel and teaching to design this Black Truffle Tour and to share the fascinating ecology of this culinary diamond in a most delicious and invigorating adventure.
http://sitkaservicesllc.com/
I may be interested in the trip, please send me information, details, cost…etc…
Hello Gabriella,
Please go to this page to get all the information about our Truffle Tour:
http://sitkaservicesllc.com/2015-trip-details/
For further questions and persoanl assistance, go to the contact page and send me a personal note!
http://sitkaservicesllc.com/contact-us/
I look forward to serving you, and hope you can join us.
Christine
Dear Christopher,
I understand your situation completely. I have tried to get the word out to interested mycophiles and persons who love culinary adventure during the last 8 months. Sorry we didnt reach you earlier.
So please go the the sign-up box on my webpage and you will be on the list to receive all the news and updates on our Black Truffle Tour. We will be offering this tour annually during the truffle season in Spain.
http://sitkaservicesllc.com/2015-trip-details/
Thank you for your interest!
Christine
I support Fantastic Fungi, it’s just I don’t have the support of myself! My husband and I need to get our passports, this sounds so so wonderful! I wish I was more prepared! I hope those who are able to go have a life changing experience! It has that level of fun! Happy Hunting, Melissa
Hello Melissa,
I hope to offer this special Black Truffle Tour annually during the truffle season.
So please feel free to sign-up to receive newsletters and updates on my tours and other events.
You can sign-up on the homepage: sitkaservicesllc.com
Thanks so much for your interest, and you are right, it is a fantastic experience!
Christine
Sounds great!!! How much????
Hello Lori,
Trip incudes: All transportation during the 8 days beginning from the Madrid airport or Madrid Train Station (Atocha) with return the following Sunday; hotel accommodations and mostly 3 meals/day, including 4 special Black Truffle feasts and wines; guided tours. Hotels have been chosen to enjoy the comfort, hospitality and historical settings in Soria.
$4200/person
Please check-out the itinerary and trip details.
http://sitkaservicesllc.com/2015-trip-details/
I am glad to give you further personal assistance if you contact me at
[email protected]
Thanks for your interest!
Wow, a special opportunity!
Pls send details.
Thank you.
Hello Louise,
Yes, this is a special opportunity! The trip is a very engaging experience as it is designed for a small group and is paced to have time to relax and get to know this region of Spain –with some wonderful experts in ecology, history and wines along with the truffling adventures. In addition, you will be supporting the making of the film!
Please have a look at the website and send me a message for any further questions and assistance!
http://sitkaservicesllc.com/2015-trip-details/
Christine
I would be very interested in a trip like this. However, as a physician in a large group practice, my vacation schedule is fixed more than six months in advance, and arranging a week or two off with only two months’ notice is almost always out of the question. Please keep me on the list, and consider fixing dates for your tours much farther in ahead of time.
Hi Christine,
I was wondering if you could recommend a few books for a beginner to read, to gain a basic understanding of the underworld life of the truffle and also mushrooms. My science background is limited but I see no reason why I should allow that to limit my education on this other fascinating world.
Also, a basic book on soil management for this wonderful eco-system.
Thanks
Alanna
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