Greece’s first Panhellenic Truffle Festival commenced in Kalambaka, Greece on Thursday and is set to run until Sunday, June 11. Entry to the event is free.
Attendees at the festival can enjoy a comprehensive introduction to the cultivation of truffles and other mushrooms, and their culinary uses. Entertainment in the form of music and dance is also provided.
A number of celebrated chefs are attending the event, including Lefteris Lazarou and Dotsios Adamos. Also in attendance are many truffle hunters and cultivators, ready to offer their expertise on a range of topics.
The Panhellenic Truffle Festival in Kalambaka, Greece
The event, organized by the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum, certainly has a scenic setting at the historic town of Kalambaka at Meteora in Thessaly, Northern Greece. The town is well known for the monasteries located nearby.
Several seminars have been organized as part of the event. These will cover a diverse range of topics, such as how to efficiently train dogs to find truffles, and cultivation methods, as well as the nutritional value of truffles and their usage in international and Greek cuisine.
Chef Lefteris Lazarou, renowned for his culinary expertise, will be hosting two exclusive events on Friday and Saturday. These events will take place at Divani Hotel and Riga Feraiou Square, where the chef will share the secrets of truffles with both the hotel’s chefs and event attendees. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to savor delectable dishes prepared by Chef Lazarou, showcasing the exquisite flavors and techniques associated with truffle cuisine.
Attendees will have a further opportunity to try a myriad of dishes on Saturday at the Panhellenic Truffle Festival when a team of 30 chefs from IEK DELTA 360°, under the guidance of Mr. Dotsios Adamos, the head of the Gastronomy Department, together with Aigli catering, will showcase further culinary uses for the truffle.
Throughout the duration of the festival, truffle hunters and growers will be present, mingling with visitors and readily available to answer any inquiries. In addition to the engaging activities designed for children, there will also be music and dance performances. On Saturday night at 21:30, a live performance by the band Manitarock is scheduled.
Truffles in Greece
Truffles in Greece have gained considerable attention in recent years. The country boasts a rich truffle heritage and is home to several varieties, including the highly prized black truffle (Tuber melanosporum). The ancient Greek writer Plutarch believed that truffles were created by the thunderbolts of Zeus!
Greek truffles are mainly found in the northern regions of the country, such as Macedonia and Thrace, as well as the central and western parts. Truffle hunting has become a popular activity in Greece, with local farmers and truffle enthusiasts venturing into the forests with specially trained dogs to search for these elusive delicacies. The truffle season in Greece typically runs from autumn to winter, during which season the earthy aromas and distinct flavors of truffles permeate local cuisine.
Greece has been working to promote truffle cultivation and establish itself as a key player in the truffle industry. Efforts have been made to educate farmers on truffle cultivation techniques and the importance of sustainable harvesting practices. Truffle orchards have been established, where trees like oak and hazelnut are inoculated with truffle spores to encourage their growth.
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