A newly published study in the journal Genome Biology by scientists from UCLA and colleagues in Italy, France and Taiwan reports on the truffle’s unique genetic makeup. “The fungi have a complex genome, with a preponderance of repetitive and mobile elements,” said Simone Ottonello of the laboratory of functional genomics and protein engineering at the Univ. of Parma in Italy. “The genome resembles the composition of the human genome, which also uses reversible methylation — and other mechanisms — to deal with repeated and mobile elements.”

On October 17th 2014, we are looking forward to a night celebrating truffles at Sheffield’s Inox Restaurant. The evening will include a journey through the fascinating world of truffles hosted by our own expert mycologist, Dr Paul Thomas. You will have the opportunity to taste a selection of truffles over drinks before a surprise three course menu is served. The head chef, Joe Berry, will create the menu for the evening using truffles to complement the finest seasonal ingredients.

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.

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.