Franco’s Funghi
Pictured above is Luca’s Dad, Franco with his harvest of the day (our dinner tonight!) It’s mushroom season here in Piedmont and we’re lucky enough to have an expert scavenger in the family. Not to brag or anything, but these were the most flavorful mushrooms I’ve ever eaten. They were so freaking good (of the porcini variety). We’ve actually been eating them all week (apparently when the mushrooms are out, they’re OUT). On Monday with steak, on Tuesday in Ratatouille, and tonight baked in the oven with sliced potates, onions and rustic pancetta. Too bad for you that Internet isn’t more multi-sensorial, or I’d send you all a whiff and a taste. You’ll just have to use your imagination (or come visit!).
The area we live in is actually internationally reknowned for it’s mushrooms – we’re five minutes outside of Alba in the Langhe region, which is the White Truffle Capital of the World. It’s always pretty easy to get truffles around here in season – they’re still expensive, but in these parts there are no added shipping fees, so that helps. There are actually two truffle seasons – Fall is the more important White Truffle season (late September through mid December) while Summer is the Black Truffle season. Experts say that the white truffles are more fragrant and flavorful, but we’ve had some extremely awesome black truffles that were much better than many of the more expensive white truffles.
Here’s Franco in October of 2005 with the fruits of a successful mushroom scavenge:
I am so jealous. Just your description of the meals this week makes my mouth water and I think if I close my eyes and pretend I am almost there. Maybe this coming year I will plan my visit when the mushrooms are in season. I guess that means staying from black mushroom season to white.
Only kidding about the length of time but it would seem that Mushroom Season is the time to show up.
stay as long as you want – we would love for you to come and visit! Mushroom season is definitely the best time to come.
Those look all sorts of yummy! I love mushrooms. We got a field guide to mushrooms for when we’re hiking, but have still been too chicken to try and actually eat any. A lot of the ones that grow here are the bright red Super Mario-looking variety… uum, definitely NOT edible! lol.
We might try growing mushrooms someday. Apparently all you need is a shady spot and some logs.. haha.
Yeah, even Franco says he has to be pretty careful – he usually just goes for porcini which he’s good at identifying. I’m going to have to go with him one of these times to learn. I don’t think it’s too hard to grow them at home either, actually, my Aunt Joan, who also commented on this post, gave us a mushroom log for Christmas one year and we grew some! According to garden guides they only take a week to start growing at home!
Haha! Franco looks great in these shots! Tell them I say ciao! Stoked for your homecoming!! I will be around for sure. Peace, Sheeshurino!
Yeah, even Franco says he has to be pretty careful – he usually just goes for porcini which he’s good at identifying. I’m going to have to go with him one of these times to learn. I don’t think it’s too hard to grow them at home either, actually, my Aunt Joan, who also commented on this post, gave us a mushroom log for Christmas one year and we grew some! According to garden guides they only take a week to start growing at home!