Italy’s most famous truffle might be the white truffle of Alba, in Piedmont, but it’s certainly not the only precious underground dweller the country has to offer.
Undervalued both nationally in Italy, and on the international scale, is the black truffle of Salento, in the Lecce province, Puglia.
And now, thanks to a BBC documentary, the humble Salento truffle might get the attention it deserves.
If you’re a truffle purist, you might think that it’s the white Alba truffle or nothing, but the black truffles of Salento are more economical and have their own special taste.
With their own straightforward character (”sexy” according to the video!), they make the perfect marriage to some of the region’s local dishes.
In particular, the BBC found itself in the area around the main town, where the country goes down to the San Cataldo sea.
If you’re interested in more on Salento truffles, check out the dedicated Salento Tartufi YouTube channel, especially for some breathtaking views of the wild country in this part of Puglia.
It’s not pristine like Tuscany, but it certainly has its own untamed appeal.
After the jump, see the BBC documentary.