Il Tartufo

The San Miniato Truffle Festival

San Miniato e la citta del tartufo. The San Miniato area of Tuscany is famous for producing white truffles renowned and exported all over the world. This area produces 25 percent of the Italian truffle crop annually. Each year, during the month of November, San Miniato and the surrounding villages organize a festival devoted to the gastronomically precious white truffle. This year (2007) the festival will be held on November 11, 18, and 25th.

San Miniato

Il tartufo (the truffle) is the underground fruit of a mushroom. There are many kinds, including non edible ones. The two most common are the Tartufo Bianco Pregiato (White Truffle) and the Tartufo Nero Pregiato (Black Truffle).

The white truffle is more highly valued than the black truffles found in Umbria and the Marche. In November 2006, a London restaurant paid $52,000 for a 2.4 pound Italian white truffle.

The Truffle Festival in San Miniato is free and takes place in the Piazza del Populo in San Miniato. For more information, contact the San Miniato Tourist Office (+39 0571.42745) or L'Associazione Tartufai (Truffle Association) in San Miniato (0571.42014).

2007 Calendar of Truffle Events

September 23 in Palaia

October 7 in Corazzano

October 14 in Balconevisi

October 28 in Montaione

November 4 in Volterra

November 11, 18, 25 in San Miniato