It’s four in the morning. While most of Istria is still sleeping under a heavy blanket of morning fog, a quiet, impatient whine can be heard in the yard of our family home near Motovun. Our dogs, our most loyal workers, already know – it’s time. That smell of moisture rising from the Mirna River valley means only one thing to us in the Bartolić family: the Motovun Forest is opening its doors again.
When you sit down in a top-notch restaurant or open a jar of our truffles, you often smell that penetrating, almost mystical scent. But have you ever wondered what that small, knobby fruit went through to get to you? The journey “from forest to table” is not just a logistical process; it is a story of seven decades of tradition, of patience and deep respect for the land that feeds us.
First stop: Secret signs of the Motovun Forest
It all starts deep underground, in symbiosis with the roots of an old oak or hornbeam. Our dogs mark the spot. There is no blind digging – that would destroy the delicate mycelium. An experienced truffle hunter knows how to read his dog’s body language. When the tail speeds up and the muzzle fixes on one point, we know we are close.
When it comes to the most expensive mushroom in the world, the white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico), every millimeter counts. We use an otka, a small specialized spatula, to gently spread the soil. That moment, when the ochre surface of the truffle appears in the gray Istrian soil, is an indescribable adrenaline rush that has kept us in this business since the 1950s.
After the catch is brought home, the most delicate part of the job begins. Truffles are living creatures – they breathe and lose weight every hour. The first step is cleaning. Forget about harsh washing under running water. Each black truffle and the precious white one are cleaned by hand, with soft brushes, in order to remove soil residues without damaging the periderm (skin).
At Tartufa Istra, the selection is strict. Truffles are divided into classes:
- Extra class: Perfectly round, undamaged specimens, ideal for scrubbing in front of guests.
- First and second class: Specimens that may be less regular in shape, but in terms of smell and taste, they are not even a millimeter behind.
- Industrial Grade: Smaller pieces that are perfect for processing into our premium products.
Third station: From fresh catch to finished product
What happens to those truffles that don’t end up directly on your plate as fresh flakes? They become part of our “Istrian Truffles” range. The journey from forest to table here involves transforming the raw material into a delicacy while preserving its original aroma.
Our recipes are old-fashioned, but the process is modern. Whether it’s truffled truffles, truffle honey or aromatic olive oil, the goal is the same: to capture the aroma of the Motovun forest in a jar. We don’t use aggressive preservatives that would cover up the natural aroma of the Tuber magnatum Pico mushroom. We want our product to smell exactly the same when you open it in Zagreb, Berlin or New York as it did in our tavern when it was caught.
Fourth stop: Speed logistics – freshness above all else
With fresh truffles, time is the enemy. If you want to experience the true power of Truffle Hunting in Istria, the fruit must reach you as quickly as possible. We ship fresh truffles in special thermo-packaging that maintains optimal temperature and humidity.
Thanks to modern logistics, a truffle that was at the root of an oak tree this morning can be grated over your fuži tomorrow. This is the essence of the “From Forest to Table” philosophy that the “Tartufi Istra” brand cherishes – shortening the journey so that the quality remains intact.
Fifth station: Your plate – the final act of tradition
The journey ends in your kitchen. Whether you decide to prepare traditional fuži or a modern steak with black truffle, you become part of our story. When you rub a truffle, you are not just adding spice; you are adding seven decades of experience of the Bartolić family, hours of training of our dogs and the pure nature of Istria.
That is why we are happy when we hear your stories. Truffles are social mushrooms – they seek good company, a glass of good Istrian wine and enjoyment of the moment.
Become a part of our story: Visit us or order online
The journey from forest to table is a circle that closes with your satisfaction. We invite you to visit us in our stores in Motovun, Poreč or Rovinj to experience first-hand the scent that drives us. Our staff will be happy to explain each stage of this journey and help you choose the perfect product for your needs.
If you are feeling brave, book a truffle hunt via our website. Come to the Motovun Forest, meet our dogs and take part in the first step of this fascinating journey yourself. And if Istria is not currently on your itinerary, let us bring Istria to you via our webshop.
Every bite is a journey. Embark on it with us.
