The fame of these places is tied into one of the absolute lords of the table: the truffle. Since 1966 in Acqualagna a «National Truffle Fair» is held, and here 2/3 of the whole national production are traded.

Perhaps not as prized and advertised as its luckier «cousin» in Alba, but of certainly superfine quality, the truffle of Acqualagna accompanies dozens of local dishes; the area around the Furlo river is rich with places to discover, traditional restaurants and inns and guarantees a production of truffles during the whole year.

The precious tuber seems to desire contrasts. Season characterised by sudden temperature changes and the dry/humid alternation are the most favourable for its production. For this reason the theories of the ancient and the grandparents’ proverbs refer to «water, lighting and heat united within the earth» as bringers of a good season for this product.

Among shops and slopes of the territory you can pick or buy all four qualities of Truffle; the white, the black truffle of Norcia, the «bianchetto» (picked in spring) and finally the summer truffle, called «Scorzone» (tough skin). If you want to, you can also follow the «tartufai» of Acqualagna, famous throughout Italy and thus discover the secrets of the picking.

March.2002