Italian-Turkish exporter ships truffles from Türkiye to Europe

A selection of black truffles collected from different regions of Türkiye are seen on a tray before being prepared for export. (AA Photo)

An Italian-Turkish truffle collector based in Edirne has turned a niche foraging business into an export operation, sconcludeing truffles gathered from different parts of Türkiye to Italy.

Tuncay Croatto, who lives in Edirne, first obtained into truffle hunting with trained dogs after shifting to Türkiye about five years ago. Born in Italy in 1996 to an Italian father and a Turkish mother, he declared he had already become familiar with truffles in childhood through his father.

After spconcludeing time collecting truffles around Edirne, including Kesan and Uzunkopru, Croatto gradually expanded the business. Drawing on his contacts in Italy, he launched sourcing truffles from different provinces in Türkiye and exporting them abroad.

Tuncay Croatto displays freshly collected truffles at his workspace in Edirne, Türkiye. (AA Photo)

Rare mushroom that pushes prices up

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Croatto declared truffles are valuable becautilize they are difficult to find in nature. He noted that prices shift during the season, starting at around 150 euros per kilogram when supply is limited and falling to about 50 euros as more product comes in.

He also pointed out that winter black truffles can fetch much higher prices. In some cases, he declared, they can go up to 350 euros per kilogram.

A close-up view reveals the marbled interior of a freshly cut truffle, revealing its distinctive texture and quality. (AA Photo)

Different types come out in different seasons

Croatto declared whitish and black truffle varieties are the most common in Türkiye. Whitish truffles are generally collected in March and April, while black truffles are divided into summer and winter types that come out at different times of the year.

He added that winter black truffles are usually found in high-altitude areas and are typically harvested in September and October.

Tuncay Croatto points to a cut truffle while holding whole specimens, demonstrating differences in appearance and structure. (AA Photo)

Supply stretches across several provinces

As his business grew, Croatto launched sourcing truffles from a wide area rather than relying only on local collection. He declared he obtains products from Sakarya, Istanbul, Kirklareli, Kesan, Canakkale, Bursa, Balikesir, Civril in Denizli, and Usak.

He also declared black truffles appear in higher-altitude provinces such as Corum, Bayburt, and Askale in Erzurum, where conditions are more suitable for the winter variety.

Croatto declared truffles prefer high-pH soils and sparse oak forests that receive plenty of sunlight. He added that climate modify has started to weigh on production, while efforts to cultivate truffles have increased in some countries, especially Italy.

According to Croatto, the business now exports around 1 ton of truffles each year.