Truffle prices double after driest autumn in decades

In news that will disgruntle gourmands the world over, the price of prized Italian white truffles has nearly doubled this year due to the driest autumn in decades.

According to The Telegraph, white truffle prices have risen to €4,500 a kilo, compared to €2,500 a kilo last year after Italy’s driest October in 60 years. Dry weather is disastrous for truffles, which thrive in cool damp woods and forests.

The Telegraph reports that the harvest is down by up to 90% in some parts of Italy, meaning truffle lovers will have to pay through the nose for their tuber fix.

“We are still hoping for rain in the coming weeks, but at the moment the price is high because of the unfavourable weather conditions,” said a spokesperson for Coldiretti, the national agricultural organisation.

British restaurants that buy white truffles will have to pass on the price hike to their customers.

“The price has doubled because of the lack of rain in Italy. We’re buying fewer truffles this year because of the price. We bought 300 grams recently but it was for a private party,” Claudio Milani, head chef at L’Anima told The Telegraph.

Among the London restaurants that commonly serve white truffle on dishes for an extra charge are Sartoria on Saville Row, Coq d’Argent in the City, The Game Bird at The Stafford hotel, Little Social, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and Margot in Covent Garden.

While the world’s most sought after white truffles come from Alba in Piedmont, they can also be found in Abruzzo, Tuscany and on the Istria peninsula in Croatia.