News: Ribbon cut on the 59th edition of the Nursia Black Truffle Fair

Last Saturday saw the cutting of the ribbon of the 59^th Edition of Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero di Norcia, the famous Black Truffle Fair of Nursia.
The multi-day event, which runs from 25^th February to the 5^th of March, welcomes chefs and foodies from around the world, who descend on the idyllic Umbrian countryside to sample the offerings of some 70 exhibitors from across Italy.

Over the course of two weekends, stalls adorn the main square and historic streets of this quaint Umbrian town, showcasing a range of aromatic rare black truffles in their full glory, while local chefs offer cooking classes incorporating ‘the black gold’ into an assortment of delicious local dishes that will leave your tastebuds in raptures.

Meanwhile, the finest local cheeses and cured meats can also be tasted against a backdrop of live music, performance art, screenings and, of course, the majestic verdant hills for which Umbria is famous.

What makes Nursia’s black truffles so prestigious?

Nursia’s prized black truffle – or tuber melanosporum Vittadini if we’re being technical – is regarded globally as the most precious of all, with a kilo of this flavoursome fungi fetching a cool 1,600 euros (although a mere 20% of the price of the local white truffle…). Its delicate fragrance and rich flavour make it the black truffle of choice for many of the world’s top Michelin starred chefs. 

The lime-rich soils of Nursia combined with the roots of local downy and turkey oak, lime and black hornbeam trees, alongside plenty of sunshine, offer the ideal environment and nutrients for the mouth-watering aromas gentle sweetness of the black truffle to develop and flourish. Although the prestigious black truffle is the most renowned, there are other truffles to be found throughout the region close to Nursia.

Truffle season takes place between December and mid-March, during which these precious culinary wonders are quarried and prepared, ready to adorn countless delicious pasta, meat and rice dishes the world over.

Umbria: More than just a culinary pilgrimage

Although there is no denying the gastronomic virtues of this delightful region of Italy, the pastoral panoramas, pretty villages, friendly locals and laid-back way of life of Umbria also charm visitors to this part of the world. Often overshadowed by neighbouring Tuscany in the minds of romantics, the curious traveller will find plenty to explore in this equally picturesque area of central Italy.

From the historic towns of Perugia and Umbertide to the Eden-like valleys and rolling hills in between, it is a fitting birthplace for Saints Francis and Benedict and an opportunity not to be missed for anyone looking discover the bucolic, sun-ripened soul of Italy.

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