Nicknamed Lot's black diamond, because of its rarity and very high market value, the Quercytruffle is a mushroom whose fruiting body is found underground. It is harvested in winter, with the aid of dogs or pigs specially trained for the job. It grows in the limestone soils of theCausses du Quercy, at the feet of truffle-friendly trees like the oak or the hazel.
Quercytruffles are very good with scambled eggs, in omelettes, in salad or simply on their own with salt.They can also be used to flavour other foods such as foiegras, pâté or poultry.
In winter, truffle markets are held in the towns of Limogne-en-Quercy, Martel and Lalbenque. The capital of the Quercyblack truffle, Lalbenquehas its truffle market every Tuesday afternoon from December to March, a good opportunity for tourists visiting the region to stock up on Lot's precious black diamond!
