Happy New year everyone. We hope you are enjoying the holiday season. In this post we update the availability, quality and prices of truffles from the ongoing 2022 - 2023 European harvest.
Over summer we will continue to bring you updates from Europe and then start to focus on the Australian harvest as we approach winter. Our season is shaping up to be very different compared to the last two years. If you are interested in what it takes to bring a truffle harvest to market, make sure to follow our video blog on Instagram and Facebook at @fishrivertruffles.
As well as more general, shorter weekly blog posts, we will have monthly feature articles the frequency of which will also increase as we approach harvest. Our first feature post will start at the very beginning by answering the question 'what is a truffle?' Look forward to it in the next two weeks. Did you know we have truffles in Australia and they are vital to the health of our environment?
Our vision is to explore all things truffle, and along the way, build a resource which will help give you a deeper appreciation of this most glorious and desired of gourmet ingredients. If there are any topics you would like us to shine a light on, don't hesitate to drop us a line.
2022 - 23 European truffle harvests continue.
Highlights
Harvests of the while Alba have all but ended though some importers report shipments still coming through quarantine this week. Quality is excellent and prices are surprisingly reasonable.
Harvests of the black Perigord have started in earnest and will continue into February. Quality is improving and prices are increasing.
The white Alba truffle
While some of our Italian contacts report having good supplies of the white Alba even this late in the season, most importers here in Australia are saying supply is becoming very limited. If you have been waiting for the best time in the of the season to enjoy this truffle, this is it. Flavor and aroma is at its best.
None of our importer and supplier friends were quoting prices above $8/g this week. Supplies are however very limited so if you are looking to pick up any this week it would be worth calling ahead for availability and pricing. This late in the season, our hint is that prices may even change day to day as the last shipments trickle through quarantine.
The black Perigord truffle
Harvests of the black Perigord truffles in Europe are well under way so supplies here are becoming stronger across all capital cities. It is comparatively early in the season so quality will improve. Pricing this week seems to be firming.
Expect to pay up to $4/g in some cities for class Xtra truffles and don't forget that prices may increase further, particularly around special events like Valentine's day and Chinese New Year.
Where can I get white Alba and black Perigord truffle in Australia?
We have added a few more suppliers this week as they return from their holidays. As always we appreciate their time in helping us to compile this post.
Name | State | Phone |
Melbourne | 0405 424 860 | |
Sydney | 02 9363 0775 | |
Sydney | 0403 959 158 | |
Truffles of Australia | Brisbane | 0421 077 705 |
Brisbane/Gold Coast | 0419 774 070 |
Restaurants with Truffles on the menu
The list below includes restaurants which have had truffle on their menus this summer at some point. To avoid disappointment, we strongly suggest you call ahead before you book your tables as chefs will craft their menus depending on supply, quality and price of truffle week by week.
Restaurant | State | Contact |
Sydney | ||
Sydney | see their website | |
Sydney | ||
Sydney | ||
Sydney | ||
Sydney | ||
Sydney | ||
Sydney | ||
Sydney | see their website | |
Sydney | 02 9368 7488 | |
Melbourne | 03 9329 2882 | |
Melbourne | visit their website |
Truffle events in the northern hemisphere
Oregon Truffle Festival
If you are going to the Festival, make sure you look up Dawn Meiklejohn. Dawn is one of our Instagram followers (@trufflefeasts) and has written an amazing book on the truffles of Oregon (Oregon Truffle Feasts). The beauty of her book is that much of the information is relevant to all table truffles, even the recipes!
The festival starts around 16 February and is packed full of truffle fun. More information here .