A culinary delicacy unlike any other type of mushroom, truffles are lauded for their distinctive, earthy flavor. Because they are rare, difficult to find, and can fetch as much as $300 per ounce, embarking on a truffle-seeking adventure is truly an ecological treasure hunt. And your best ally might be sitting right beside you.
Truffles grow underground, which makes them impossible for human noses to detect. But with proper training, dogs of all breeds can use their sniffers to forage for this fungal treat. Truffle season in the U.S. typically runs from November through early March, depending on the year and where you are foraging. There are a few privately owned truffieres in California, Oregon, North Carolina and Virginia, but they can also be found on public lands in the Pacific Northwest.
Here are a few resources to help you and Fido become expert truffle hunters. And even if your search doesn't bear fruit or fungi, this activity is a wonderful way for you to be outdoors with your best friend.