Forget for a moment everything you’ve heard about expensive restaurants and glitz. The real life of truffles begins in the silence, in the darkness and under the damp soil of the Motovun Forest. While the fog still lazily rises above the Mirna River valley, and the town of Motovun looks like an island in the middle of a milky sea, we are already deep among the oak and hornbeam trees.
My family, the Bartolić family, has been walking this path since the 1950s. Back then, my grandfather wasn’t looking for “gastronomic gold” for world markets; he was looking for food for the table and a scent that meant survival. Today, although the world has changed, the forest has remained the same – mystical, difficult and generous only to those who respect it.
The awakening of the forest and its most important partners: Our dogs
Many people ask me: “What is the secret of a good hunter?” The answer is simple – a good dog. Without them, we are just walkers in this dense forest. In Istria, the most common truffle hunters are Lagotto Romagnolo or mixed breeds that live for this scent from a young age.
The morning begins with a check of the equipment. There is a bag on my shoulder, a small shovel in my hand called an otka, and dog treats in my pockets. When we let the dogs out of the car, the energy changes. They are not looking for truffles for money; they are playing, and their noses are the most precise instruments in the world.
Interesting fact: Although pigs have historically been used for hunting, dogs are the law in Istria. Pigs love to eat their catch too much, while a dog can hardly wait for its reward (and a cuddle) after locating the precious nugget.
Do you want to experience the excitement yourself when a dog starts digging frantically? Book your appointment for an authentic truffle hunt here.
The Search for the “White King” and the “Black Diamond”
In Motovun Forest, the season never really ends, but the prey changes.
Tuber magnatum Pico: White Truffle
The crown jewel of our work is the white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico). Its season lasts from September to January. It is intense, pervasive and impossible to grow. Every one we find is a pure work of nature. If a dog smells it at a depth of 20 or 30 centimeters, your heart will start beating faster.
Black Truffles: Strength all year round
In summer, we look for Tuber aestivum (summer black truffle), while in winter there are the nobler black truffles. They are somewhat milder, but incredibly rewarding in the kitchen, especially when grated over warm pasta with a little butter.
What really happens “behind the scenes”?
Truffle hunting is not just walking along a path. It is breaking through the undergrowth, avoiding mud and absolute silence. You have to learn to read the forest. Where does a certain type of tree grow? How much moisture is in the soil? Which side of the hill has been in the sun longer?
When the dog stops and fixes its gaze on a single spot, the moment of truth arrives. I have to kneel down, calm the dog, and carefully, millimeter by millimeter, dig out the soil with a trowel. If you damage a truffle, it loses its value. The smell that then rises from the ground – that mixture of damp earth, garlic, and aged cheese – is the unforgettable smell of Istria.
On our webshop you can buy the fresh truffles we find.
From the forest to your table: The Bartolić family tradition
After a few hours in the forest, we return home. But the work doesn’t stop there. Each truffle must be carefully cleaned with a soft brush, weighed and classified. In our family business, Tartufi Istra, we follow the rules set by my grandfather: only the best specimens go to customers, the rest are processed into our authentic spreads and oils.
We don’t just sell a product; we sell the moment you find yourself in the heart of Istria, no matter where in the world you are.
How to recognize a real truffle?
As an expert, I have a few tips to help you avoid being scammed:
- Smell: It should be intense but natural. If it smells too chemical, it’s probably cheap flavoring.
- Firmness: A fresh truffle should be firm to the touch. If it’s soft or “gummy,” it’s not fresh.
- Origin: Always ask for a certificate or buy directly from families with a long tradition of hunting.
Become part of our story
Truffle hunting in the Motovun Forest is not just a job – it is a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a respect for the land that has been giving us these fruits for decades.
We invite you to visit us in our stores in Motovun, Poreč or Rovinj and feel that smell in person. If you are not nearby, our online store brings the flavors of Istria directly to your door.
And for the bravest ones? Come with us to the forest. Bring the family, put on your boots and let our dogs show you why Istria is the world center of truffle farming.
