Of the world’s more precious things, few look worse than the black or Perigord truffle, Tuber melanosporum.
A much-sought after delicacy in France since at least Roman times, these gourmet fungi have always commanded a high price, and they aren’t getting any less expensive.
The night of this Wednesday, Jan. 23, Asheville-area residents will have a rare, insider’s look at the cultivation of black truffles, when plant pathologist Tom Michaels gives a presentation at Warren Wilson College’s Jensen Lecture Room, starting at 7 p.m.
Eight years ago, Michaels planted his first truffle orchard on rolling farmland in East Tennesee. Last year he made his first harvest, which won favorable reviews from at least a few of the nation’s top chefs.
The event, which is free to the public, is a presentation of the Swannanoa School of Culinary Arts.
— Kent Priestley, staff writer
