If we go into the forest, we can focus on the idea that we will discover a fabulous treasure hidden somewhere under the roots of the trees. Maybe today we will stumble upon a chest full of ancient coins. However, the treasure can also look completely different and unobtrusive. We just can’t pull it off.
Under a layer of fallen leaves, there can indeed be hidden a mysterious treasure, the value of which, in the best cases, can equal the price of a smaller cottage. But it’s not about gold or precious stones, it’s about an “ordinary” mushroom. Truffles are mysterious underground mushrooms for which world-famous chefs are willing to pay outrageous sums. Did you know that they also grow in our country?
Also watch the YouTube report about truffles on the Czech truffle channel:
A truffle paradise in the middle of Europe
We usually associate these rare mushrooms with countries such as France, Italy and other sunny destinations. But it’s a little different, because surprisingly we can come across truffles right here. It is even such a quantity that our state is gaining the reputation of a small truffle paradise in the world. But the problem lies in the laws – it is strictly forbidden to collect these mushrooms in our country.
Ideal conditions for their growth
We should know that truffles have been a stable resident in our area for centuries (and probably much longer). They love dry and warm habitats, which is why they appear most often in deciduous forests, mainly under oaks and beeches, but also under the roots of hazel trees. Now there is an increase in their numberwhich is caused by conditions that, for example, are not welcomed by farmers, i.e. (due to) the warm and relatively dry season.
Pigs or dogs?
What is the enormous value of these not-so-attractive mushrooms? It is, of course, their special earthy taste, but also a very complicated way of searching and collecting. Dogs and pigs, which we often associate with this term, are trained for this. Currently, however, the aforementioned dogs are leading the way, for one very simple and logical reason: while pigs seek out truffles because they love them, dogs learn to do so just as they would seek out drugs, for example. If a pig finds a truffle, it will try to eat it, which a dog will not do.
There is an absolute ban on collection
Since truffles are so highly prized, it’s no wonder that people are also choosing to start truffle farms. However, it is precisely in the Czech Republic that such an effort comes up against the fact that truffles are included among the so-called specially protected species. What does this mean? Nothing but absolute prohibition of their collectioneven regardless of whether someone deployed them on purpose. In particular, they could get into big problems, even if they use the forest, or perhaps non-traditional places, for example under solar panels. Once a truffle appears somewhere, it is simply protected and that’s the end of it all.
Truffle farms are legal
The situation is different on larger farms, where the truffles are in a bounded and clearly defined area and there is no doubt that it is a deliberate cultivation. Then of course it is also legal to harvest and trade themof course in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
So it’s a bit of a paradox. The Czech Republic is therefore a land of promise from the point of view of growing or collecting truffles, on the other hand, if we collect this mushroom in the wild, a very hefty fine can come. So if you come across it in nature by accident, try to control yourself and leave it in place. Believe me, its monetization would probably be very difficult anyway, and it is rarely suitable for home improvement.
