Tuscan Treasures

Truffles have been prized in Italy as an Epicurean delight as far back as the Roman gourmet Apicius' legendary banquet in 20 A.D., but the country's first truffle museum demonstrates one small village's love affair with the aromatic fungus. In San Giovanni d'Asso, located on a Tuscan hilltop and surrounded by the rolling clay slopes of the Crete Senesi, truffles are truly a village affair: there are 50 truffle hunters out of a population of 350, according to Mayor Michele Boscagli. From September to December they hunt for the delicacy, feast on a portion of their bag, and sell the rest...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!