In the valley of the Serrapotamo stream a true Lucanian treasure is hidden: the white truffle.
The particular climatic conditions with humid soils and an altitude of 250 to 600 meters make sure thid tuber develops all its particular charateristics. It grows in symbiosis with some typical forest species, such as the willow, the hazelnut, the poplar, the ornello and the lime tree, just to name a few. In particular, it can be found in the municipalities of Carbone, Calvera, Chiaromonte, Fardella, Francavilla on the Sinni and Teana, all in the province of Potenza.
The characteristics of this truffle are easy to identify: a smooth and velvety surface with an external color ranging from ocher to brown, and an internal grayish-white pulp with variations on hazelnut color; everything changes according to the degree of ripeness and the plants with which the truffle has grown. Several studies and analyzes have identified excellent organoleptic qualities of the white Serrapotamo truffle, superior even to many other more famous truffles. The harvesting can be carried out from 1 October to 31 December and it takes place with the help of truffle dogs that identify the truffles. After the excavation proceeds with a small spade. Maximum care must be taken not to damage the land and the vegetation. Finally, the holes dug must be covered and the truffle residues scattered to give life to new tubers.
Its perfume is one of a kind: very aromatic and strong. It is to enhance these characteristics that the truffle is consumed mainly raw, cut into strips on the spot. It is also widely used as an accompaniment to cheeses and risottos, not to mention truffle oil with such an accentuated aroma as to give each dish a particularly delicious flavor.
National and international interest in the prized white truffle of Serrapotamo, which has also become part of the list of PAT (Traditional Agri-food Products), is growing more and more. Every year in Carbone (Potenza) a feast for the white truffle with markets, exhibitions and conferences is organized to enhance and make known this true Lucanian treasure.
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