
Thousands of people travel to Croatia and other parts of the world every year. There are many different things that attract people to certain regions. Festivals travel is a common reason people venture to Croatia and their capital city Zagreb. A main attraction, especially toward the fall and winter seasons, is the Truffles Festival.
Truffle is the name used to describe a fruiting body. It is a type of subterranean Ascomycete fungus from the genus Tuber species. These are often celebrated as ingredients in many types of cuisine. Some of the most famous truffles have been found in regions of Croatia, which is one reason why this is home to numerous truffle festivals and events.
Black truffles are harvested in this area throughout the year, but the special white truffle does not appear until September and lasts until around January. This is a time when people are out hunting for truffles. Thousands of Croatians, tourists and even dogs will wander through the forests for hours looking for these truffles.
The Festival of Subotica is an annual event that signifies the start of white truffle season. It is held on the second Saturday of September. At the festival, a large truffle omelet is made in a big pan. The dish requires more than 20 pounds of truffles to be made. In the early half of November, Buzet plays hosts to Truffles Weekend. This features a fair in which homemade and local truffle-based products are available. There are numerous festivals and similar events held to honor this time of year and the flavorful delicacy that it brings.
There are several restaurants around the area that serve dishes with this fungus. In fact, visitors may have the opportunity to book a foraging trip in Zigante, spending time out in the wilderness with a hunter and dogs to find and dig out truffles. Once enough has been collected, they can return to a restaurant and enjoy the delicious truffles they just handpicked. It's a forest-to-table experience that many choose not to miss out on. Other opportunities, including truffle tasting, are available through numerous restaurants and businesses.
One of the largest truffles ever discovered in the world was found in Croatia. These are not native to the area but where many travel in search of the best. While black truffles are loved, they are more readily available and not as big of a deal to the locals or most travelers.
However, the season for white truffles is an exciting time for Croatians and visitors alike. These are highly prized, especially among foodies, restaurateurs and of course truffle hunters. They are known for having a distinct, rich and earthy taste, and are often used to make aromatic oils, condiments and pasta-based dishes.
The events held around this special truffle season are accessible through many tour-operating companies. This makes it easier for visitors to navigate the area and have a chance to see some of the Croatian culture. People can learn more about the history of truffle hunting, the ways these can be incorporated into dishes and other interesting information.
Croatia Truffle Festival Tours
