The history of truffles between mythology and reality

THE HISTORY OF THE TRUFFLE BETWEEN MYTHOLOGY AND REALITY

The fact that truffles originated underground gave them a mysterious allure that gave rise to many legends. The history of truffles has roots so far back that it’s difficult to distinguish reality from legend or fantasy.

The truffle in Greek and pagan mythology

Greek mythology also features the truffle, around which we gather the most beautiful names of Greek and Latin culture.

The Greek philosopher Plutarch of Chaeronea generated the fanciful hypothesis according to which the precious mushroom was born from the combined action of water, heat, and lightning. This fantasy inspired the Roman poet Juvenal, who attributed the birth of the truffle to a lightning bolt thrown by Jupiter near an oak tree, a tree sacred to the lord of the gods. Furthermore, since Jupiter was also famous for his amorous activities, the truffle was attributed aphrodisiac properties, for which it was dedicated to Aphrodite, goddess of love.

The Greek physician Galen, who interpreted its aphrodisiac nature, was the first Greek systematic physician of the 2nd century BC to publicize the nutritional qualities of truffles and to administer them to his patients. The renowned physician wrote that truffles were highly nutritious and could “provide sensual pleasure.”

Even in pagan mythology, always based on its aphrodisiac power, another legend tells that the truffle was dedicated to the goddess Venus.

truffles in Ancient Rome

In Roman times, truffles were highly prized for their flavor and commanded a high price precisely because of their rarity, which was due to their difficult availability.
The first recipes for truffle-based dishes are found in “De re coquinaria,” a work by Marcus Gavius, known as “Apicius,” a famous gastronome who lived during the time of Emperor Tiberius.
Regarding truffles, Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) included them “… among those things that grow but cannot be sown.” He maintained that truffles were a miraculous product of nature in that they grow and grow without roots.

Truffles in the Middle Ages

Although the precious mushroom was discussed by scholars, philosophers, and poets, the lack of knowledge regarding its vegetal or animal origin, combined with popular beliefs, fueled false prejudices. In fact, truffles were seen as poisonous and degenerative growths in the soil, which over the years were labeled “the devil’s food” or “witches’ food.” For this reason, they were banned from every table.

The truffle in the Renaissance

The truffle returned to prominence during the Renaissance with the emergence of a true culture of taste and culinary art. For a long time, naturalists disagreed on its classification; some defined it as a plant, others as a soil growth, or even as an animal!
Regardless of belief, the truffle remained a highly prized food, especially at the tables of nobles, and truffle hunting was considered a palace pastime, in which guests and foreign ambassadors were invited to participate.

After so many years, the truffle’s fame remains intact today! Indeed, it is considered one of the most prized foods of all, a favorite among haute cuisine professionals.

At Bernardini Tartufi, we work hard every day to uphold the reputation of this gem of the table. We pay close attention to the production process and are meticulous in selecting ingredients and raw materials.