At 9:30 a.m. sharp on Saturday January 18, the bells will ring to launch the fourth edition of the Orléans black truffle market. A dozen truffle growers will be present and will offer black truffles called “Tuber melanosporom”, the most popular variety from Périgord.
A market based on two values: labeled and controlled harvests. For this, the producers will meet the same day at 7 a.m. to brush and cane these exceptional mushrooms. This method makes it possible to verify the excellence of the truffle and to offer the best product.
So, what is a good truffle? The one that has pyramidal scales, very black, with fine, white veins: “With these factors combined, it’s a guaranteed explosion of flavors for the palate,” rejoices Marie-Christine Ligouis, president of the Truffle Growers Association. from Beauce-Val de Loire.
A week of harvest
Since Monday January 13, truffle growers have been pulling mushrooms out of the ground to harvest the best of them. The method is rigorous. You have to be patient and have a dog so that he can sniff out the truffles that are underground. “It’s a real quest, a kind of reconnection with nature to be in harmony with your animal and the earth,” continues the president.
Only one fear then, the weather… This week, temperatures have dropped in the Loiret and negative degrees risk disrupting the harvests. “The -7 last night worries us a little. It’s a bit of a suspense to know whether the mushroom will be frozen or not. So consumable or not. »
“We try to make truffles known by explaining that a few grams are enough. The price per kilo is expensive, but you need seven to eight grams per person. »
A rich program
Several spaces will be made available, with an information stand which will be dedicated to raising awareness of the Périgord truffle with explanatory videos. There will also be a point of sale for those who have been won over by the product, where the dozen producers will be located.
To support curious people looking for strong and distinctive flavors, a place dedicated to tasting will also be set up. The Cercottes restaurant, Fleur de Sel, will concoct truffle dishes to tantalize the taste buds of passers-by. Entrance is free but, to eat these small dishes, you will only need to pay 4 euros.
Finally, scratching demonstrations will take place every thirty minutes. “This will allow those present to discover how a dog finds a truffle using its nose.”
Practical. Saturday January 18, from 9:30 a.m., in the greenhouse of the Jardin des Plantes d’Orléans. Entrance is free.
