By JO JOHNSON
Truffle consumption in the ACT is four times higher than past seasons, according to organisers of the Australian Capital Country Truffle Festival.
Festival coordinator and president of the Australian Truffle Growers Association Wayne Haslam said the success of the festival had been measured by the increased demand for truffles.
“The festival has been very well received,” Mr Haslam said.
“We aim to double the amount of truffles consumed next year…. We plan to advertise more widely in Sydney to attract more people and we also hope to expand the festival to include truffle growers from Orange and the tablelands region.”
The festival, in its first year, endeavoured to raise the profile of the industry by inviting the public to participate in a number of activities throughout truffle season.
Restaurants around the Canberra region were encouraged to use local produce, with some offering demonstrations, tastings and degustation menus.
Anise, Pulp Kitchen and Senso Restaurant were some of the festival’s sponsors, however, organisers admitted they were disappointed more restaurants did not embrace truffle season.
“We didn’t have a lot of money to promote the festival,” Haslam said. “Hopefully next year we can attract a bit more funding to provide a wider program.”
Haslam noted a highlight of the festival was participating in the individual tastings held by sponsors.
“It’s always a delight to find new dishes that the chefs have prepared,,” he said.
He said enthusiasts were continually finding new uses for the truffle.
“One local brewer has started selling truffled beer,” he said. Tlavour enhanced his latest brew. Truffles have a reputation as a great flavour enhancer.”
Truffle season runs from late May to early August.
