Truffle in Romagna: Tradition, Territory, and Foraging

Romagna: A Truffle Region Often Overlooked

When people think of Italian truffles, their minds go to Alba, Acqualagna, or Norcia. Yet Romagna — and in particular the hill belt between Rimini, Forlì, and Cesena — is one of the oldest and richest truffle-producing territories in Italy, with a foraging tradition that stretches back to the Middle Ages.

Luna Nuova Tartufi was born right here, in Misano Monte, on the border between coastal Romagna and its inland hill villages. Our foragers have worked this land for generations, knowing every forest, every oak tree, every season.

The Truffle Varieties of Romagna

The Romagna territory yields a remarkable variety of truffle species throughout the year:

• Bianchetto truffle (Tuber borchii) — from January to April, in the sandy coastal areas and pine forests of the Valmarecchia valley
• Summer truffle / scorzone (Tuber aestivum) — from June to August, in the clay hills between Rimini and Forlì
• Black autumn truffle (Tuber uncinatum) — from October to January, in the broadleaf forests of the Romagna Apennines
• White truffle (Tuber magnatum pico) — from October to January, in the riparian zones along the Marecchia and Savio rivers

The Foraging Forests

Romagna truffles grow mainly in the hill belts between 100 and 700 metres above sea level, in mixed woodlands of oaks (Quercus pubescens, Q. cerris), hornbeams, poplars, and willows. The areas along the Marecchia, Conca, and Rubicone rivers are the most productive for white truffle and bianchetto.

The Romagna climate — cold but not harsh winters, rainy springs, warm summers with afternoon thunderstorms — is particularly favourable for truffle development. Autumn and spring rainfall provides the moisture needed for growth, while dry summers concentrate the aromas.

Foraging: A Ritual Passed Down Through Generations

In Romagna, the figure of the cavatore (truffle hunter) remains central to rural culture. Licensed foragers with regional permits work alongside their truffle dogs — usually Lagotto Romagnolo or mixed-breed dogs trained from puppyhood — who know these forests better than any map.

Foraging is regulated by regional law: harvesting is permitted only during daylight hours, with a maximum of two dogs per forager, and only during open seasons. This framework ensures the long-term sustainability of the resource.

Why Choose Romagna Truffle

Romagna truffle is an authentic, traceable product, harvested by foragers who respect the forest. Buying directly from Luna Nuova Tartufi means receiving a truffle collected within the previous 24–48 hours, with its full fragrance intact.

Explore our fresh seasonal truffle and preserved truffle products made with Romagna truffles.