black truffle

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
November 5, 2017

First ever Périgord black truffle cultivated in the UK due to climate change

We’re excited to announce that the first cultivated black Périgord (winter) truffle in the UK has been produced using Mycorrhizal Systems technology – this is the first time the truffle has been found north of central France and was grown on our partner site in Monmouthshire, South Wales. The truffle find and associated research has been reported in the journal ‘Climate Research’. Analysis by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Dr Paul Thomas from Mycorrhizal Systems and the University of Stirling suggests that climate change was a factor and that truffle cultivation may be possible in many parts of the UK. The scientific breakthrough is an important development for the burgeoning UK truffle industry as climate change is threatening native black Périgord truffle habitats in southern Europe.
November 5, 2017

Farm Business Innovation Show – 8th & 9th November 2017 – Birmingham NEC

Farm Business Innovation Show – 8th & 9th November 2017 – Birmingham NEC This week we’ll be returning to Birmingham’s NEC for the Farm Business Innovation show. Following on from last year’s success Dr Paul Thomas will be delivering a seminar on both days of the show. Dr Thomas will be discussing the breakthrough we’ve had in cultivating the first black Perigord truffle in the UK, it’s the first time this has been done north of central France. The seminar will also cover truffle basics, truffle cultivation and the ‘business’ of truffles and due to the popularity we would recommend arriving as early as possible if you’d like to be seated.
September 7, 2017

Confor Woodland Show – 7th and 8th September 2017

We’re attending this year’s Confor Woodland Show in Longleat on both the 7th and 8th of September 2017. Our stand has moved position and differs from what is in the show guide and you can now find us at stand A2 – right near the entrance.
June 5, 2017

BBC Rip Off Britain – Preserved Truffles

Is there really truffle in truffle oil? Are preserved truffles any good? Recently we were asked to help investigate a possible case of food fraud for BBC 1 Rip Off Britain. Aired on the 5th of June 2017, the programme revolves around a jar of truffles preserved with oil that had a surprisingly odd aroma. The Rip Off Britain team sought Dr Paul Thomas’ help to test for truffle spores and truffle DNA.