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The Mediterranean black truffle, one of the world's most expensive ingredients, has been successfully cultivated in the UK, as climate change threatens its native habitat.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd (MSL) have confirmed that a black truffle has been successfully cultivated in the UK for the first time: the farthest north that the species has ever been found. It was grown as part of a programme in Monmouthshire, South Wales, run by MSL in collaboration with local farmers. The results of the programme, reported in the journal Climate Research, suggest that truffle cultivation may be possible in many parts of the UK.
After nine years of waiting, the truffle was harvested in March 2017 by a trained dog named Bella. The aromatic fungus was growing within the root system of a Mediterranean oak tree that had been treated to encourage truffle production. Further microscopic and genetic analysis confirmed that Bella's find was indeed a Périgord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum).
Gourmands rejoice.
(Score: 2) by Grishnakh on Tuesday November 07 2017, @04:45AM (1 child)
Truffles aren't like honey (ambrosia isn't real). And honestly, if they want to put some people to work keeping these stupid fungi alive for them, that's fine; it's a good way of separating them from their money, and it keeps some places from being developed.
I've actually had truffles before. They taste like dirt. I'm not kidding. They really just taste like dirt. At least honey is sweet and delicious, and while the good stuff is expensive, it's not that out of line. Truffles just taste like dirt, and cost a fortune.
(Score: 2) by t-3 on Tuesday November 07 2017, @03:36PM
I've seen it put forth that ambrosia refers to the giant ragweed, which was cultivated by the Romans as a grain.