All Hail the Crowning Truffle: A Sign of the Winter Harvest

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These early signs are one of the quiet markers of truffle harvest season. They tell us the orchard is changing, the truffles are growing and the winter harvest is drawing closer.
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What is a crowning truffle?

Crowning truffles are very shallow growing truffles that start to emerge and erupt from the soil, a little prematurely.

This is to be expected in a young truffle farm where the trees and their all-important roots are still relatively small and shallow in the ground. As the truffles grow around the young roots, they often emerge before they’re fully ready.

As exciting as it is to see them, it does pose a number of threats to the growing truffle, exposure to the elements and unwanted insects being just a few.

A careful cover-up operation

So what does that mean at the farm? A cover-up operation is required!

For the last month, we’ve been systematically walking up and down each row of trees to monitor for any truffles making an untimely entrance. Some truffles might be completely exposed and some may present as an elevated mound in the soil.

When we find them, we cover them carefully with soil. It’s imperative that we don’t disturb any other truffles in the process, so it’s all done by hand.

At the moment, we’re monitoring weekly, to ensure all our truffles are nestled safely underground; the best environment for them to mature fully and develop the aroma and flavour fresh black truffles are known for.

Encouraging deeper growth

Whilst this requires a lot of time and attention this year, there are methods we’re employing that will encourage truffles to grow further from the tree and deeper in the ground in future harvests.

This annual cultivation involves aerating the soil, plenty of irrigation and adding lots more truffle spore to the ground, encouraging growth further from the trees.

It is all part of the rhythm of truffle farming: reading the soil, caring for the trees and giving the truffles the best chance to mature in time for the winter harvest.

Preparing the farm for truffle season

Late autumn is also an opportune time for maintenance on the farm, cue weed, leaves and debris removal.

Not only does this allow sunlight to reach the soil and the trees but also will help the dogs when the truffle hunting starts in winter. And as we know from this crowning experience, there should be plenty to find.

We’ll be sure to share details of the harvest here!

Jane, Tony & the team x

FAQs

What does a crowning truffle mean?

A crowning truffle can be an early sign that truffles are growing beneath the soil and that the winter harvest season is approaching.

When is truffle harvest season in Australia?

Black truffle harvest season in Australia is during winter. At Flinders Truffles, truffle hunting takes place during the winter harvest season.

Why do truffles need to stay underground?

Truffles need time underground to mature properly and develop their aroma and flavour. If they emerge too early, they can be exposed to weather, insects and other risks.

Can visitors experience the winter truffle harvest?

Yes. During truffle season, visitors can book a truffle hunt at Flinders Truffles and experience the orchard, the truffle dogs and the winter harvest.