In a market where the average price of the product can reach 300 to 600 Euro per kilo, one of the three most important truffle-growing companies in Spain has managed to obtain rounder and heavier truffles in a shorter period of time with the implementation of a special technique.
By using a special substrate, the company Turbatruf is growing truffles in an easier manner and with a more homogeneous shape, since they are surrounded by a spongy and unobstructed bed.
Turbatruf, which is a partner of the Valencian company Grupo Projar, belongs to a family with more than 45 years' experience in the production and harvesting of truffles and is based in the municipality of Sarrión, where there is a long truffle-growing tradition.
Up to 60% harvest increase
In a sector that has to wait an average of about 7 years to obtain this precious fruit, this search for greater profitability has also made it possible to advance the production to between the fourth and fifth year after the planting, with a 20% greater harvest in the first year and up to 60% more from the second year.
These aspects make the truffles harvested with this substrate, which is suitable for organic farming, to be much more appreciated in the market. In fact, Turbatruf has been awarded for four years in a row as the producer of the best quality truffles by the International Tourism Fair, FITUR.
The director of Turbatruf, Luis Rozalén, explains that "we started using the substrate in truffle cultivation as a test to improve the quality of the production, and when we found that this substrate, which was technically ideal, made it possible to improve the quality of the truffle, in addition to increasing its weight, we started to use it extensively, as we have more than 100 hectares of own crops."
He also highlights that "we decided to start marketing this substrate in order to promote its use in the area," adding that "we have an alliance with Grupo Projar, and between both, we define the substrate's composition."
Truffle planting
The cultivation of truffles begins when you plant the one or two year old oak or hazel. The choice of species depends on the area, the soil and other aspects, such as the climate. After 3 to 5 years, an average of 4 or 5 holes are made in the base around the tree and are then filled with this substrate.
After a year and a half, you will obtain rounder and heavier truffles than you would have obtained without this substrate. Once the truffle is taken from the hole, there would normally not be another until two years later; however, with this substrate, there may be a new one between 6 months and one year later.
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