h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I seem to remember an article in a Sunday paper many years ago that described a competition to find truffles in England. Apparently certain species of truffle grow in Englan, and I was wondering if anyone had any more information on this - eg. where and how to find them. Unfortunately I have neither a trained dog nor pig. Should I just go back to bed?

Hi
The Summer Truffle (Tuber Aestivum) does indeed grow in the uk and is a poorer relative of the european versions. I have seen them sold in 3's (they are very small about the size of 10p but spherical) for 9.99.
these are usually supplied from UK truffle farms (of which there are 3 or 4) They are grown i believe by buying innoculated tree roots and then planting these. Several years later you will have truffles. this method is being explored and implemented with the continental truffles which could seriously affect the price (but there will always be a demand for wild ones)

Best place to look is on the south downs (if in sussex area), they like chalky soil and often grow under beech.
One of the most famous places historically is patching in sussex.

Their position can be found by striking the ground under a tree and looking for a fly that will fly off as they lay their eggs above the truffle. Also the Summer truffle is often only semi-submerged so can be found by poking around with a stick.

They are tasty but nothing like the continental truffles.

Also years ago they were commercially collected by truffle hunters who would go out across the downs and return with baskets of them.