Truffle hog
The truffle hog or truffle pig is a domestic pig used for locating and extracting truffles from temperate forests in Europe and North America. The pigs have a good sense of smell and a natural affinity for rooting in the earth for food, and are trained to hunt truffles by walking on a leash.[1]
History
The use of the pig to hunt truffles is said to date back to Roman Empire, but the first well-documented use comes from Bartolomeo Platina in the 15th century.[1] Later references to truffle pigs include John Ray in the 17th century.[1]
In 1875, a truffle hog could cost up to $200 [2]. A skilled truffler could more than make up for this investment due to the high price of truffles on the gourmet food market. Today it is common for dogs (known as "Truffle hounds") as well as truffle hogs to be used in the gathering of truffles because hogs have been known to eat too many truffles in the field.[3] However, traditionalists argue that the swine have more sensitive noses and their particular taste for truffles leads to a more devoted beast. It is frequent for the hog to be more of a family pet of the truffler.
See also
References
- ^ a b c Hall, Ian R. (2007). Taming the truffle: the history, lore, and science of the ultimate mushroom. Timber Press. ISBN 9780881928600.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Mammilia, their various forms and habits (1875) - Page 174 Google Books
- ^ "Snuffling for truffles in Åland" Helsingin Sanomat, International ed. [1]