Questions we're often asked

What is a truffle?

A truffle is a rare, underground fungus that grows in a symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain trees. Truffles are detected by fantastic dogs who can sniff them out beneath the soil. The black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is still often called 'Périgord French' truffle. Ours are proudly grown in the NSW Far Southern Highlands and we call them Australian Black Truffles. They are valued for their intense, earthy aroma and the way they transform even simple dishes into something extraordinary.

Why does truffle oil have a weird taste?

Many commercial truffle-flavoured product - think truffle oil, chips, cheese, aioli, mayonnaise, dips etc are typically made with a synthetic compound called 2,4-dithiapentane, a lab-created chemical that mimics one part of truffle aroma - but not the full depth, earthiness, and complexity of the real truffles. That artificial, almost petrol-like edge you notice? That's the synthetic compound. If truffle scraps are included, they are sterilised mainly added for 'authenticity' - providing no true flavour or aroma. A real truffle contains over 100 natural aromatic compounds which are very difficult to replicate. Genuine truffle oil does exist but it's rare and expensive. The short answer: if you want to experience real truffle, choose fresh truffle from a farm.

What trees do truffles grow on?

Black truffles form a partnership with the roots of oak and hazelnut trees, in a mutually beneficial mycorrhizal relationship. The tree provides sugars to the truffle, and the truffle helps the tree absorb water and nutrients from the soil. At Tallaganda Truffles, our trees are inoculated before planting to establish that underground partnership from the start.

What climate and soil are required?

Black truffles thrive in warm summers and cold, frosty winters, and need well-drained, loamy, alkaline soil — with a pH above 7. The NSW Far Southern HIghlands, where our farm sits near Braidwood, closely matches the conditions of the Périgord region in France. That’s one reason this part of Australia is well suited to truffle growing.

How long do they take to grow?

Patience is part of truffle farming. After inoculated trees are planted, it typically takes 5 to 8 years before the first truffle harvest — sometimes longer. At Tallaganda Truffles, we harvested our first truffles when the trees were just 3 years old. Once a truffle orchard begins producing, it can continue for decades.

How big do truffles grow?

Black truffles can range from the size of a marble to a large apple, typically between 20g and 200g. In June 2026, we unearthed a single truffle weighing almost half a kilo— about the size of a very large grapefruit. Size and shape however do not necessarily determine quality; aroma, maturity, and firmness are the best indicators of a great truffle!

Buying truffle

Australian black truffle season usually runs from mid June to August, Availability is seasonal and limited, so we recommend ordering early to secure your truffles. We sell fresh truffle direct to home cooks, chefs, and food lovers across Australia.. No middle person, no supermarket markups, no long-stored stock - just fresh truffles straight from our farm to your table.

How do I buy truffles from your farm?

Two ways -

  1. Tallaganda Truffles sells fresh truffles at the Braidwood Visitor Information Centre, 100 Wallace St Braidwood NSW, most weekends during the season. Ring to confirm 0411 107 161

  2. We Express Post. Truffles are carefully packed to preserve aroma and freshness and we use Australia Post Express delivery. Ring us or head to our Contact page to send an enquiry — let us know the quantity you’re after and we’ll confirm availability, pricing, and shipping. Wholesale and restaurant enquiries are welcome.

How much truffle do I need?

For home cooking, even a small amount of truffle goes a long way — 10–20g can make a big impression shaved over pasta or eggs. As a guide, 3–5g per person per meal is usually enough. Contact us for advice on the best amount for your dinner party, or for making truffle butter or truffle salt. We’ll help you choose the right quantity.

How should I store fresh truffles once they arrive?

Fresh truffles are best enjoyed within 7 days of harvest for peak flavour. Once they arrive, store them in the fridge wrapped in a dry paper towel inside an airtight container. Replace the paper towel daily to prevent moisture build-up. For extra aroma, store them in a sealed container with eggs or arborio rice for 2-3 days — they’ll gently infuse. See our Truffle Care page for the full storage guide.

Still have questions?

We're a small, family-run farm and love hearing from truffle enthusiasts, home cooks, and chefs. Whether you're ordering fresh truffles for the first time or sourcing for your kitchen, get in touch - we're here to help.

Questions we're often asked

What is a truffle?

A truffle is a rare, underground fungus that grows in a symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain trees. Truffles are detected by fantastic dogs who can sniff them out beneath the soil. The black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is still often called 'Périgord French' truffle. Ours are proudly grown in the NSW Far Southern Highlands and we call them Australian Black Truffles. They are valued for their intense, earthy aroma and the way they transform even simple dishes into something extraordinary.

Why does truffle oil have a weird taste?

Many commercial truffle-flavoured product - think truffle oil, chips, cheese, aioli, mayonnaise, dips etc are typically made with a synthetic compound called 2,4-dithiapentane, a lab-created chemical that mimics one part of truffle aroma - but not the full depth, earthiness, and complexity of the real truffles. That artificial, almost petrol-like edge you notice? That's the synthetic compound. If truffle scraps are included, they are sterilised mainly added for 'authenticity' - providing no true flavour or aroma. A real truffle contains over 100 natural aromatic compounds which are very difficult to replicate. Genuine truffle oil does exist but it's rare and expensive. The short answer: if you want to experience real truffle, choose fresh truffle from a farm.

What trees do they grow on?

Black truffles form a partnership with the roots of oak and hazelnut trees, in a mutually beneficial mycorrhizal relationship. The tree provides sugars to the truffle, and the truffle helps the tree absorb water and nutrients from the soil. At Tallaganda Truffles, our trees are inoculated before planting to establish that underground partnership from the start.

What climate and soil are required?

Black truffles thrive in warm summers and cold, frosty winters, and need well-drained, loamy, alkaline soil — with a pH above 7. The NSW Far Southern HIghlands, where our farm sits near Braidwood, closely matches the conditions of the Périgord region in France. That’s one reason this part of Australia is well suited to truffle growing.

How long do they take to grow?

Patience is part of truffle farming. After inoculated trees are planted, it typically takes 5 to 8 years before the first truffle harvest — sometimes longer. At Tallaganda Truffles, we harvested our first truffles when the trees were just 3 years old. Once a truffle orchard begins producing, it can continue for decades.

How big do truffles grow?

Black truffles can range from the size of a marble to a large apple, typically between 20g and 200g. In June 2026, we unearthed a single truffle weighing almost half a kilo— about the size of a very large grapefruit. Size and shape however do not necessarily determine quality; aroma, maturity, and firmness are the best indicators of a great truffle!

Buying truffle

Australian black truffle season usually runs from mid June to August, Availability is seasonal and limited, so we recommend ordering early to secure your truffles. We sell fresh truffle direct to home cooks, chefs, and food lovers across Australia.. No middle person, no supermarket markups, no long-stored stock - just fresh truffles straight from our farm to your table.

How do I buy truffles from your farm?

Two ways -

  1. Tallaganda Truffles sells fresh truffles at the Braidwood Visitor Information Centre, 100 Wallace St Braidwood NSW, most weekends during the season. Ring to confirm 0411 107 161

  2. We Express Post. Truffles are carefully packed to preserve aroma and freshness and we use Australia Post Express delivery. Ring us or head to our Contact page to send an enquiry — let us know the quantity you’re after and we’ll confirm availability, pricing, and shipping. Wholesale and restaurant enquiries are welcome.

How much truffle do I need?

For home cooking, even a small amount of truffle goes a long way — 10–20g can make a big impression shaved over pasta or eggs. As a guide, 3–5g per person per meal is usually enough. Contact us for advice on the best amount for your dinner party, or for making truffle butter or truffle salt. We’ll help you choose the right quantity.

Storage and care

How should I store fresh truffles once they arrive?

Fresh truffles are best enjoyed within 7 days of harvest for peak flavour. Once they arrive, store them in the fridge wrapped in a dry paper towel inside an airtight container. Replace the paper towel daily to prevent moisture build-up. For extra aroma, store them in a sealed container with eggs or arborio rice for 2-3 days — they’ll gently infuse. See our Truffle Care page for the full storage guide.

Still have questions?

We're a small, family-run farm and love hearing from truffle enthusiasts, home cooks, and chefs. Whether you're ordering fresh truffles for the first time or sourcing for your kitchen, get in touch - we're here to help.