plantation

NEWS

Prof. Paul Thomas (our Managing Director) has appeared on several TV programmes, radio shows and in many written articles. Specific areas of expertise include the biology, cultivation, hunting and cooking methods of the wide range of truffle species. If you would like an interview or require information for an article then please use our contact form and we would be very happy to help.

Below, our most recent news articles are displayed and our back-catalogue is open for browsing.

July 14, 2015

Truffle cultivation

You can grow truffles in a wide range of climatic zones worldwide. In northern temperate zones down to northern Africa, its possible to cultivate summer/burgundy truffles (Tuber aestivum syn uncinatum) whereas the winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum) can be grown in Mediterranean climates. In fact, there are truffle species for nearly all climates and soil types, even some white truffle species can be cultivated. Here at Mycorrhizal Systems, truffle cultivation is our thing and we run research sites in nearly 30 countries worldwide, working with a very wide number of host plants and truffle species. Around 95% of all the truffles in France are now cultivated.
July 14, 2015

Tuber Brumale

MSL is now inoculating the first batch of trees with Tuber brumale. This species is found in the same climate as the winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum) and is associated with the same trees (typically oak and hazel). However it is a hardier species and can grow in more humid environments and more acidic soils than the winter truffle. It can even be cultivated in northern European countries. We believe that this species has great gastronomic value, as it has a great taste and aroma.
July 14, 2015

Skills for Chefs conference

This week will see the 17th annual Skills for Chefs conference, at The University of Sheffield. MSL will again be providing the fresh truffles for the very special Gala dinner. The Skills for Chefs Gala Dinner will be taking place in the prestigious Firth Hall at The University of Sheffield. This University’s flagship venue and was where the University Charter was bestowed by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1905. Preceded by a Champagne and Canapé Reception, the five course dinner will showcase the talents of leading chefs and the amazing black summer truffle.
July 14, 2015

New data presented in Morocco and hunting desert truffles

Last week, we were in Morocco presenting data at two academic conferences on underground fungi. The first presented report investigates the climatic impact for the distribution of three key truffle species and the second is a large study (343 data points) on the impact of tree growth and development on truffle production. Both reports are being prepared for publication in international journals and copies will be available on request Having just returned from a academic conference and research trip to Morocco.
July 14, 2015

El Celler de Can Roca – truffles in the best restaurant in the world

In March we were luckily enough to hear unique truffle recipes by chef Joan Roca i Fontané of El Celler de Can Roca. Widely cited as the current best restaurant in the world, Joan detailed how they use truffles in the restaurant. Of particular interest was an in-depth detailed description of 5 key truffle recipes. It was an absolutely pleasure to see a chef who is so intimately knowledgeable of how to use truffles.
July 14, 2015

Climate needed for truffle cultivation

Latest Published paper Our latest published paper, “An analysis of the climatic parameters needed for Tuber melanosporum cultivation incorporating data from six continents” is now published and copies are available free of charge.
July 14, 2015

Truffle hunting dog school

We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with leading experts, the Truffle Dog Company as our worldwide source for truffle dog training support for partners. Truffle Dog Company is a global source for online truffle dog training, harvesting services for orchards, consultation services and in person training for professional and recreational truffle dog teams. Founders Alana McGee and Kristin Rosenbach have many years of experience with canine scent detection, hands-on teaching and their own truffle hunting pursuits.
July 14, 2015

Truffle Festival – 17-20th Jan 2014 – Napa Valley!

The summer truffle (Tuber aestivum syn. uncinatum) season is in full sway and we can now deliver these high-quality truffles worldwide. If you’d like to order, any quantity from 100g to 100kg, please do get in contact on: Shop@PlantationSystems.com
July 14, 2015

Summer truffles ready to ship, worldwide

The summer truffle (Tuber aestivum syn. uncinatum) season is in full sway and we can now deliver these high-quality truffles worldwide. If you’d like to order, any quantity from 100g to 100kg, please do get in contact on: Shop@PlantationSystems.com
  • Samantha Ellis

    From guidance in orchard establishment, tree supply and management to our own truffle distribution network, we've got all angles covered

    Samantha Ellis
    Business Development
  • Dr Paul Thomas

    Thorough and scientific methodologies, attention to detail and having a committed partner at every step of the way, is the only reliable approach to truffle cultivation

    Dr Paul Thomas
    General Director
  • Daniel Paskin

    With our own genetics lab and research sites in 23 countries, we are truly world-leading in the field

    Daniel Paskin
    Nursery Manager
July 23, 2018

Scottish Daily Mail – Scotland’s locally grown truffles in demand

The Scottish Daily Mail accompanied Dr Thomas to a truffle plantation near Edinburgh, one of our growing partner plantations now producing our native summer truffle. The article considers the secrecy around truffle growing, the future of the Scottish truffle industry, truffle dog training and hunting (sneak peak – you don’t need an expensive breed!) and the burgeoning demand for local produce.
January 18, 2018

Free New Grower Seminars – Feb 5th & 8th 2018

We are holding two seminars aimed at those interested in learning about truffle cultivation. These are free to attend and focus on what truffles are, how to cultivate them, the wider truffle market and details of our partnership offer – they are ideally suited for those interested in learning about whether truffle cultivation is for them and for people who have already been in talks with us to meet us face to face. The seminars will be informal with questions from attendees encouraged. Venues are start times are yet to be confirmed but we will be in central Glasgow on February 5th, starting around 1.30 pm and in central Birmingham on February 8th, starting around 2 pm. Please contact us at shop@plantationsystems.com if you’d like to attend one of these seminars and we’ll send out full details.
January 3, 2018

Edinburgh Evening News – Burgundy truffles cultivated in Scotland for first time

One of the world’s most expensive ingredients has been cultivated near Edinburgh after a sever-year wait. Researchers from Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd teamed up with local farmers to cultivate the summer or burgundy truffle. This is the first time the ingredient has been successfully cultivated in Scotland. Researchers believe the potential to cultivate truffles is increasing as a result of climate change. Click through for the full article from Edinburgh Evening News reporter David Bol.
January 3, 2018

Scotland’s First Cultivated Truffles – another success for Mycorrhizal Systems

We  have successfully cultivated the summer or burgundy black truffle, one of the world’s most expensive ingredients, as part of our partnership programme just south of Edinburgh: the first time this has ever been achieved in Scotland. This latest development follows a recent report in the journal Climate Research, suggesting that truffle cultivation potential in the UK is increasing as a result of climate change. In November a number of truffles were harvested by a newly trained dog, Maxwell, on the root system of an inoculated oak tree and further microscopic analysis confirmed that Maxwells’s find was indeed a summer or burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum syn. uncinatum). The site continued to produced throughout November and December confirming that the site was firmly in production.