Climate crisis threatens truffle production but could put UK species back on the menu

Truffles, the prized fungi coveted worldwide by chefs and food connoisseurs, have long been held in high regard. Often associated with Mediterranean Europe, especially France, Italy and Spain, these tasty fungi grow underground and are unearthed with the help of scent-detection dogs. But unbeknown to many is the fact that the UK once had a thriving industry focused on a native truffle species (Tuber aestivum), with the English truffle first recorded in 1693. From this point on there are many accounts of the UK's thriving truffle industry, including writings by celebrated chef Mrs. Beeton in 1861. However, changing socioeconomic conditions and a loss of habitat eventually led to a collapse of the industry, and truffle harvesting in the UK went to ground. Some hunters were still able to find truffles. This was mainly for personal use, but some were still sold to local restaurants or pubs by lucky hunters—though ...