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.

June 21, 2015

Duck Eggs with Summer Truffles

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
June 20, 2015

August Truffle Cultivation Seminar

August 7th is now confirmed as the date that we’ll be running our next truffle cultivation seminar. The event is for everyone and anyone who has an interest in truffles and truffle cultivation. The day will consist of a fascinating presentation covering all aspects of truffle growing and plenty of time to ask any questions that you might have. The event will be held at Bradley Park Golf Course, Bradley Road, Huddersfield. HD2 1PZ, if you would like to reserve a place, please do get in contact.
June 20, 2015

First truffle find of the year?

In the beginning of June, we received an email about a suspected truffle find in Hertfordshire woodland. After receiving samples, we are able to  confirm that it is indeed the first new summer truffle find of the season. If you suspect that you have found truffles, please get in touch as we always love to hear of your discoveries. Please don’t consume anything if you are unsure what it is, email us atshop@plantationsystems.com and we can identify the species.
June 20, 2015

Burger King’s black truffle burger

Tofu flecked with gold flake, foie gras pudding, caviar-topped dim sum: It’s no secret that Hong Kong likes to glam up its food. Now, the fast food giant Burger King is also getting into the act. The latest indulgent menu addition here in Hong Kong is a black truffle burger – part of its overall premium series of food items intended to present “a taste of royal delicacy”, as the company puts it.
June 20, 2015

Increased grants for truffle growing- £4,800/Ha

Here is advance notice of the rules and payment rates for the 2012 woodland creation round, where there are substantial increases in the grants awarded. Full guidance will be available later this month, at which point the forestry commission will be open for applications under the 2012 rules / rates. The basic planting rate will rise by a thousand pounds for broadleaves (a suitable grant for truffle plantations) to £2,800/ha. New woodland that delivers key national
June 20, 2015

Skills for Chefs

Skills for chefs is a conference and exhibition that showcases the talents of leading chefs. There will be over 170 chefs at the event, and our own Paul Thomas will be delivering a presentation focusing on truffles, explaining, amongst other things, the different species and how to get the best flavour out of them. Some chefs will also be demonstrating cooking techniques with the gourmet fungi.
June 20, 2015

Truffles in the US

Over the pond our partner Robert Chang has been very busy drumming up awareness of truffle cultivation. He is currently holding truffle growing seminars in Napa Valley, California, with two more scheduled this month.
June 20, 2015

New growers’ seminar

After the success of our first new growers’ seminar, we decided to make it a recurring event with the last meeting held on 22nd March. With participants from four countries, this last meeting was a huge success and was enjoyed by everyone who attended.
June 20, 2015

Good farmers plant trees

A new report commissioned by the Woodland Trust and written by Harper Adams University highlights the value of tree shelter belts to farmers in combating the effects of drought.
  • 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
December 10, 2016

New York Times – Can you farm truffles?

In November The New York Times ran a feature on our sister company, the Amercian Truffle Company and reported how Dr Thomas is influencing the American truffle industry.  
November 29, 2016

Truffle Hunting – Gawlat & Oklat Mico visit one of our Welsh plantations

Mico from Gawlet & Oklat Mico, an Arabic food and travel TV show, joined Dr Thomas on one of Welsh plantations to find out about cultivating truffles, hunting for truffles and cooking with truffles! If you’ve wondered what a UK truffle plantation looks like and how dogs are used to hunt truffles then this is the episode for you.  
September 11, 2016

Join us at the APF exhibition 15 – 17 Sept and at Farm Business Innovation 9 & 10 Nov 2016

This autumn Mycorrhizal Systems will be attending two exhibitions where we will be offering advice and information on truffle cultivation. Come and talk to us to around any aspects of planting truffle trees and growing truffles, we’ll be happy to help you. The APF exhibition in Alcester, Warwickshire on 15th, 16th and 17th September 2016 The Farm Business Innovation exhibition show at Birmingham’s NEC on the 9th & 10th of November 2016 Click through for more information around these events.
September 3, 2016

Growing Truffles with BBC Countryfile Summer Diaries

Margherita Taylor of BBC Countryfile Summer Diaries charts the progress of Dr Paul Thomas’ black truffle cultivation success from the Dragon’s Den to our successful first harvest here in the UK 12 years later. The feature covers some of the history and cultivation of truffles, and gives an insight into the stages that the truffle trees go under in our laboratory and specialist nursery, plus follows Freddy the truffle dog on an exploratory hunt!