- Andrea PieroniEmail author
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine201612:18
DOI: 10.1186/s13002-016-0088-9
© Pieroni. 2016
Received: 27 January 2016
Accepted: 15 March 2016
Published: 18 April 2016
Abstract
Background
Traditional Environmental
Knowledge (TEK) related to truffles represents an under-investigated
area of research in ethnobiology. Nevertheless, truffles, in a few
southern European areas, and notably in South Piedmont, represent a
crucial component of the local economy and cultural heritage.
Methods
Thirty-four white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) gatherers, locally known as trifulau,
aged between 35 and 75 years and living in a few villages and small
towns of the Langhe and Roero areas (South Piedmont, NW Italy), were
interviewed in-depth during the years 2010-2014 regarding their
ecological perceptions, truffle gathering techniques, and the
socio-ecological changes that have occurred during the past several
decades.
Results
A very sophisticated
ethnoecological knowledge of the trees, soils, and climatic conditions
considered ideal for searching for and finding white truffles was
recorded. Moreover, a very intimate connection between gatherers and
their dogs plays a fundamental role in the success of the truffle
search. However, according to the informants, this complex ethnoecological cobweb
among men, truffles, dogs, and the environment has been heavily
threatened in the past few decades by major changes: climate change, in
which the summer has become a very hot and dry season; social changes,
due to a more market-oriented attitude of younger gatherers; and
especially environmental and macro-economic dynamics, which followed the
remarkable expansion of viticulture in the study area.
Conclusion
The TEK of white truffle
gatherers indicates the urgent need for fostering sustainable
gastronomy-centred initiatives, aimed at increasing the awareness of
consumers and food entrepreneurs regarding the co-evolution that has
inextricably linked locals, truffles, and their natural environment
during the past three centuries.
