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The cultivation of the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is a task that requires patience, knowledge, and constant care throughout the year. The seasons have a crucial influence on the development of the truffle and on the health of the truffle trees (holm oaks, oaks, and others). That is to say, at Xporum we work all year round, even though the season usually begins during the last months of the year. Below, you can find a brief summary of all our activities by season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Spring is a crucial time for truffle development, as it is when the roots of the trees inoculated with truffle spores begin to activate after winter. In fact, it is important to ensure that the trees inoculated with truffle are growing healthily. To achieve this, a visual monitoring of the roots and the general condition of the plants is carried out. Likewise, the ground is kept free of weeds and grass that may compete for nutrients and water with the trees. And, in case spring is dry, the trees are watered moderately. Of course, pH tests are carried out, and the soil quality is checked.

In the case of summer, this can be a season that is both critical and one of intensive growth for truffle trees, depending on climatic conditions. Irrigation becomes essential to avoid water stress in the trees. In addition, periodic checks are carried out to ensure that the plants are healthy. Sometimes, light pruning is also performed to promote air circulation and allow light to reach the ground, which helps the formation of truffles on the roots.

When autumn arrives, this is a time of great activity in the truffle orchard, as it is when the truffles begin to form and the plant is at its most productive stage. We inspect the root system to ensure that mycorrhization (the symbiotic relationship between the truffle fungus and the tree roots) is developing correctly. For this reason, it is essential to ensure that humidity and temperature conditions remain stable to prevent premature or poor truffle development. In fact, sometimes in autumn, the first searches are carried out to detect the first signs of truffles in the soil.

And when winter arrives, the celebration begins! Winter is the period when black truffles are harvested—a crucial and highly anticipated moment. Our dogs, trained throughout the year, are the ones in charge of locating the mature truffles underground.

In summary, the cultivation of the black truffle is an art that demands dedication and care throughout the year. Each season plays a fundamental role in the development of truffles, and at Xporum we know that success does not depend solely on the harvest, but on the constant efforts made during the other stages of the year. From monitoring the health of our trees in spring to harvesting with our truffle dogs in winter, each phase has its own importance.