Truffles in New Zealand

'Bottoms up' as a record-breaking New Zealand truffle is used to infuse a tasty new brew!

This giant 1.37kg black Périgord truffle was unearthed in North Canterbury and, interestingly, found its way into a special-edition local ale. It was dug up by Jax Lee, general manager of Kings Truffles in Waipara, after her five-year-old dog, Freddy, sniffed it out beside an oak tree.

It is the largest truffle on record found in New Zealand. The next challenge was to make sure it was put to good use. Now the local family-owned Brew Moon Brewing Company located down the road in Amberley, has added shavings from the record-setting truffle to a golden ale.

A great way to get up close to these underground treasures is to indulge in this unique and rare opportunity to find and then taste some of New Zealand's finest black truffles. A winter truffle hunt is perfect for couples or to share with friends, family, guests or colleagues. Details...

Truffles or 'underground mushrooms' grow in and around the roots of a variety of trees, including hazelnut, oaks, and pines. While they are grown elsewhere in New Zealand, including in the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay.

(photo credit: Daniela Aebli Photography)

The region’s high pH, limestone-rich soils and sunshine hours allow truffles to thrive (they evolved in limestone-rich areas of Europe). There are more producers in North Canterbury than anywhere else in the country.

Canterbury is the only place where four varieties are grown: Périgord Black, Bianchetto, Burgundy and Winter Truffles. The region’s high pH, limestone-rich soils and sunshine hours allow truffles to thrive (they evolved in limestone-rich areas of Europe). There are more producers in North Canterbury than anywhere else in the country.

After a tour it is possible to choose the luxury of having your own private chef who will prepare a selection of canapés or a five-course meal using only the freshest New Zealand ingredients, including plenty of truffles.

Consider adding to the experience all of this while sipping on local wines matched for you or bring your own if you prefer.

Talk to the chef to get tips on using your own truffle or quiz the truffle grower on perhaps your own truffle venture!

More details....

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