Even once you brush off the dirt, truffles remain shrouded in mystique.
For chefs, the ingredient’s unique, umami flavor and pungent, earthy aroma can elevate almost any dish to another dimension, capturing diners’ curiosity and their cravings while imbuing a bit of terroir to what’s on the plate. Of course, the precise conditions required to grow truffles means they are hard to track down, leading to a sense of secrecy and camaraderie among truffle foragers.
In February, that veil lifts during the Oregon Truffle Festival, offering enthusiasts and experts the chance to mingle and explore this growing industry. Oregon is home to four native, edible truffle varieties — the spring white truffle and winter white truffle, as well as the black truffle, and the brown truffle — and they will all be celebrated at gourmet experiences and educational opportunities across Eugene, Salem, and McMinnville.
Let’s dig into what’s on the calendar.
Teach your dog how to hunt truffles, and then enter them into The Joriad. Photos by Devin White
The Joriad™ North American Truffle Dog Championship | Friday, Feb. 6, 8 a.m.-noon
Named in honor of Oregon’s official state soil — yes, it’s a thing — this competition is the only of its kind in all of North America and will be conducted in two parts. First, at the Lane Events Center, spectators can cheer on amateur truffle hunters and their dogs as they participate in scent-tracking challenges (tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door). Finalists then venture to a private forest to demonstrate their skills in the field. It all culminates in an awards ceremony and celebration, including a Parade of Dogs, at Willamette Valley Vineyards.
Valentines Day Truffle Dinner Party at Zest Kitchen & Bar | Saturday, Feb. 14, 5-9 p.m.
Enjoy a sparkling wine reception and truffled hors d’oeuvres before sitting down to a four-course truffle dinner and wine pairings. Two seatings are available at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., at $220 per guest.
The Gala Truffle Dinner will wow guests with unexpected truffle pairings. Photo courtesy of Oregon Truffle Festival
Truffle Cooking Class and Foray Experiences | Sunday, Feb., 15, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join the Oregon Truffle Festival’s culinary director, Charles Ruff, on a guided foraging adventure at the Lily of the Valley Ranch, followed by a lunch and seminar on truffle care, handling and infusion. It gets even more hands-on during the following day’s cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare several truffle-centric recipes before dining on your handiwork family style.
There are more events already planned and other announcements will be made leading up to Oregon Truffle Month, so don’t miss out on any of the fungi.