Summer 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.

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.  
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.
  • 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
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.  
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.