Truffle hunting in Dorset has made a “top 10” list of wild food foraging courses compiled by Countryfile Magazine.
Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground. Many people are aware that they are highly prized, are found on the continent and were traditionally hunted using pigs. Few however realise that truffles can be found in parts of Britain including Dorset.
The English Truffle Company offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of working with trained dogs to hunt for this ultimate in wild foods.
James Feaver of The English Truffle Company said, “We are delighted to be included in Countryfile’s list. Foraging is very much in vogue at the moment. People are discovering the wealth of fantastic ingredients that can be gathered from the wild. Coupled with the demand for local provenance food there is a growing interest in British truffles both from chefs and consumers. Some of our guests are serious ‘foodies’ who want to do something different; others are going to train their dogs to find truffles and want to see how it is done.”
He said, “We have been finding truffles for over four years. In 2008 we went on a truffle hunting course with one of our dogs and were invited to take part in the first UK Truffle Hunting Championships. After a lot of practice she won the title, a trophy and, most important to her, a lot of dog food. Since this time we have trained a second dog to also find truffles.”
The English Truffle Company finds truffles from woodland sites across southern England.
