The area around San Giovanni d’Asso, which is the oldest hamlet in the entire Crete Senesi region, produces black truffles as well as the sought-after and costly white truffle. A truffle market fair and festival is held here during the second and third weekends of November.
The natural conditions of this area and lack of pollution produce truffles of the highest quality. But though there are many in the surrounding countryside, they are not easy to find and are often buried a foot underground. A kilo of this “hidden gold” can fetch up to 3000 Euros in the international marketplace and dogs are trained for months on end to find, but not destroy, these hidden treasures.
The white truffles of Crete Senesi season generally lasts roughly from September through December. The most important event takes the place in San Giovanni d’Asso on the first and the second weekend of November. This year, the white truffle exhibition “La Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco delle Crete Senesi“ celebrates thirtieth edition, and it is really worth the visit.
If you decide to visit the truffle exhibition-fair of San Giovanni d’Asso town, do not miss the unique possibility to go to the fair in the old steam train. A trip on this train – it’s a great opportunity to admire the breathtaking Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia landscapes. Special round trip on Sunday, November 8, 2015, from Siena (ticket reservation info@visionedelmondo.com).
The official website of the exhibition-fair www.mostradeltartufobianco.it
The official website ot the white truffle museum http://museotartufo.museisenesi.org
Pictures ©FB_Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco San Giovanni d’Asso
