Truffles cannot be farmed easily - they grow where and when they want, always hidden underground. The only reliable way to find them is to train a dog whose nose is extraordinary enough to sniff out a truffle buried beneath 30 centimetres of soil. In Istria, truffle dogs are considered very valuable family members.
The Motovun Forest, near the river Mirna in Istria, is one of the most famous truffle-hunting spots in the world. In autumn and winter, families head into the forest with their dogs before dawn. When the dog sniffs and starts scratching at the ground, the hunter kneels down and carefully digs with their hands so as not to bruise the truffle.
The largest white truffle ever found - a record-breaker - came from Istria and weighed over 1.3 kilograms. It was auctioned for charity and fetched an astonishing sum. Even a small truffle the size of a golf ball can be worth more than a hundred euros because the flavour is so intensely earthy and unique.
Truffles are used very sparingly - just a few thin shavings over scrambled eggs, pasta or risotto are enough to perfume the whole dish. In Istrian restaurants, truffle dishes appear on menus from small village taverns to grand coastal restaurants, and everyone has their own favourite recipe.