Kalahari Truffles

I remember the first time I came across the concept of a “truffle pup”. It was the image of a puppy (something akin to a beagle) digging madly at the base of an oak tree. In two words, “cuteness overload”. The entire subject intrigued me, and then, like so many things in life, after some investigation, was placed in file 13.

A note on the table of Marc’s Eatery.

Whilst spending a week in Maun, I was once again reminded of the subject. When visiting Marc’s Eatery (see previous article), I once again came across the subject – this time, a glamorous local version. We tried this local delicacy paired with pasta, and it was beyond delicious!

When you want to know what a truffle is, this is the description you get: “A truffle is a type of underground mushroom, specifically the fruiting body of a fungus in the genus Tuber. They are known for their distinctive, earthy aroma and flavour, and are considered a gourmet delicacy. Truffles grow in a symbiotic relationship with tree roots, forming mycorrhizae, and are typically found underground in forested areas.” Well – that narrows it down, but doesn’t begin to express the sophistication, the glamour, and the foodie obsession that is truffles…

Alba White truffles.

There are several hundred types of truffles in the fungi world, but only a select few that are edible, and an even fewer that are sublimely delicious. The Italian Alba white truffle, also known by their scientific name Tuber magnatum Pico, is the rarest and most coveted of all truffles. It is native to the Piedmont region of Italy – this truffle is bigger and more fragrant and flavourful than other types, with a hint of nuts and sweet garlic.

Inside of an Alba White truffle.

The black truffle…

Tuber melanosporum, called the black truffle, Périgord truffle or French black truffle, is a species of truffle native to Southern Europe. Black truffles are generally less expensive than their white counterparts, so they’re more attainable for the average home cook. Though they’re less aromatic, their flavour stands up better to heat — so they’re often used in sauces, compound butters, risottos, and more. Some of the most popular black truffle varieties are found in the Périgord region in France. 

Inside a black truffle.

A truffle pup.

Traditionally, pigs were the original truffle hunters. Female pigs are naturally drawn to the scent of truffles, which mimics a boar’s pheromone – but it often ended badly when their eagerness to consume them made them less ideal for truffle hunters. More than that though, their digging can damage the truffle-producing trees and their roots, making future harvests less likely. And so, the disgraced pigs were banned for use in Italy in 1985. Dogs, on the other hand, can be trained to locate truffles without damaging the environment, and they don’t have the same destructive tendencies as pigs. 

A white Lagotto Romagnolo.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is widely considered one of the best truffle dog breeds due to its keen sense of smell, trainability, and natural affinity for retrieving, including truffles. There are many other dogs considered suitable for the job, including border collies, labradors, Belgian Malinois, beagles and springer spaniels.  Basically, any dog with a superior sense of smell can be trained as a truffle hunter. 

A brown Lagotto Romagnolo.

Kalahari truffles (Kalaharituber pfeilii), known as n’xaba in San and mahupu in Tswana, are edible fungi that emerge in the Kalahari Desert of southern Africa – most notably in the red sands of the Northern Cape, eastern and north-eastern Namibia, and Botswana. These elusive delicacies appear only after abundant rainfall, typically between April and May, and are harvested during a brief seasonal window.

Closely tied to San cultural knowledge and land stewardship, the truffles are located just beneath the surface, often betrayed by fine cracks in the soil. Wild-harvested, they represent an intimate relationship between people and place. Their flavour is nutty and mildly earthy – less intense than the prized truffles of the northern hemisphere, but uniquely evocative of the arid southern African landscape. The San of the Kalahari often refer to them as ‘the eggs of the lightning bird’, as they often appear after a thunderstorm. A treasured desert fungus, it is one of southern Africa’s wild and delicious “veldkos” (food from the veld) delicacies.

Kalahari Truffle infused Vodka.

Of interest is that, when you google “Kalahari Truffles” you often come upon an alcohol product. I have yet to taste it… Kalahari Truffle Vodka (1500 bottled worldwide – 43% ABV) is billed as a premium grain vodka delicately infused with Kalahari truffle. The elegant, sensual side of the truffle. Smooth but sophisticated, with a perfect hint of mystery. Kalahari Truffle & Wild Honey Aperitif (950 bottles worldwide – 30% ABV). “Unearth the bolder side of the truffle, fully expressing the depth of this elusive jewel. Sweetened only with hand-harvested honey from Kalahari villages in South Africa and finished with aloe and African citrus. Its golden colour has a flavour profile like none other. Voluptuous, layered & tastefully sweet.” Sounds like something that is worth a taste! Kalahari Truffles works closely with women-led communities in Botswana, where their truffles are sustainably and wild-harvested during a short growing season.

If you’re keen to taste this delicious little piece of heaven, I have included a recipe below – provided by none other than our old faithful, Woolies!

Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team

INFO BLOCK:

These adorable dogs are crucial for truffle farming:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEPSPLahXbw

Kalahari Truffles !nabas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UU2sG0ltKA

Don’t Trifle with Truffles | Carte Blanche | M-Net:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8TOqYOgp3M

Why Italian White Truffles Are The World’s Most Expensive Truffles:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=427200292488840

Kalahari Truffle Vodka and Kalahari Truffle Aperitif:
https://www.instagram.com/kalaharitruffles/reel/DHL4UdnqigL/
https://kalaharitruffles.co.za/

Kalahari truffles with parsley and lemon butter:
https://taste.co.za/recipes/kalahari-truffles-with-parsley-and-lemon-butter/

Woodford Truffles SA:
https://woodfordtruffles.co.za/