MSL have moved growing facilities! We have recently moved all our trees to a large glasshouse facility in the North West (UK). The extra space will allow us to grow more stock and conduct more experimental work. We are currently trialling a new inoculation method for the elusive white truffleTuber magnatum, the most valuable of all truffles. It’s early days yet but we will of course keep you updated.

The Lincolnshire Firewood Fair is an event that was started in 2009, organised by the Forestry Commission and people from within the private sector to encourage people to burn firewood produced sustainably from local woodlands. The fair also aims to provide the public with information about seasoning and types of firewood as well as having a variety of wood burning stoves and other equipment on show.

A severe drought in Eastern Europe has damaged crops and raised concerns over the area’s economy. Eastern Europe is a big producer of wild-harvested summer truffles, and we have noticed a steep decline in harvests this season. There are worries that the prolonged drought could also impact next year’s harvest, which will inevitably push up the prices for the summer truffle. Luckily the summer truffle is very drought tolerant and should recover well, but in the meantime we will be looking at higher than usual prices for the delicacy.

To get you in the mood for summer, and the summer truffle season, try this summer truffle recipe. Preparing the truffles Give the truffles a quick rinse under running water and gently brush away the soil with a truffle brush (or unused tooth-brush). A sharp knife or adjustable cheese plane can replace expensive truffle shavers, but a fixed cheese plane will slice too thick. What you’ll need -2 tbsp duck fat -4 duck eggs -1 summer truffle -hot buttered toast, to serve