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UK set to become truffle capital of the world within 30 years, scientists say

UK set to become truffle capital of the world within 30 years, scientists say

Sunday 13th May 2018
Katie Morley, Consumer Affairs Editor Charles Hymas The Daily Telegraph

Britain is set to become the truffle capital of the world within 30 years, scientists have said, as they are developing new genetic approaches to create varieties that grow twice as fast.

It comes as a shift in climate means truffle farmers in the Mediterranean are facing exceptionally dry weather, creating a chronic shortage of the flavoursome fungus.

Mediterranean black truffles are mostly found in northern Spain, southern France and northern Italy because they need warmer and drier conditions.

Shrinking exports from the Med have seen truffle prices in the UK double to £900 a kilo.

At present the UK produces around one tonne of truffles a year, compared to France's 50-80 tonnes.
Read the full story in the Telegraph