When one thinks of truffles and Italy, it is the truffles of Tuscany and Umbria that first come to mind for many but, if you are interested in eating well while vacationing a little further south, then you might consider one of our holiday rentals in Abruzzo.
Abruzzo, too, is famous for its truffles, which have been beloved foodie delights for centuries now. Typical of the region, the Abruzzo Truffle is listed as one of the PAT Traditional Agri-food Products and is a true treat for truffle-lovers who come to traverse the diverse landscape of this beautiful part of the country.
First recorded in 1828 by Niccolò Vicentini, who sang the praises of the Abruzzo Truffle, particularly noting its aroma and preservative properties, this delicacy has been used in the production of all sorts of other foods. From being used to make flavoured liqueurs and cheeses, to adding to salad and pasta dishes to up the ante flavour-wise, to being prepared in oils or dried out, the truffle is used in all sorts of ways in Italian cuisine and local cooking in Abruzzo.
Both cultivated and wild varieties and all sorts of types of truffles exist in the wild and relatively untouched landscape of Abruzzo, stretching from the sea to the hills and towering peaks and into the impressive forests of the region. In total, there are about 28 different species in the region, with each kind being found in different areas depending on the soil, climate, and tree varieties found in each location. Abruzzo Truffles are so widespread, in fact, that the production of the region accounts for forty percent of the entire national total in Italy! So, any foodies considering a holiday in Italy who are quite serious about their truffles indeed, should seriously consider booking a vacation rental in Abruzzo.
Looking to make the most of the whole experience? Then why not join a truffle hunting expedition? Traditionally, female pigs were trained to do the job but now the Lagotto dog is the favoured truffle hunting companion. Originally a gun dog trained to be a water retriever, the Lagotto was put out of work when large areas of its wetland habitats were drained. From the nineteenth, but predominantly throughout the twentieth century, they then began to be used as truffle hunting dogs as they are easier to tame than pigs and, as they have an even better sense of smell, they are even better equipped to help seek out all of the truffles that your heart could dream of! Many more are now pets due to their loving and companionable nature and so these cute hunting companions make the entire experience all the more enjoyable! Various companies based in the region can offer tours and guided truffle hunting packages, allowing you to come along and find the very delicacies yourself that you can later enjoy in indulgent meals – making for an excellent day out, delving into the stunning landscape and cuisine of the region!
So, find your villa in Abruzzo, join a truffle hunt or simply order some truffle dishes or stock up on some incredible truffle products while enjoying time in this wild and wonderful region in Italy! For the foodie and outdoors enthusiast who has been dreaming of a vacation in Italy, it is a dreamy option that is a little more off the beaten path for most visitors to the country.
