Truffle Cultivation Handbook

In the 20th century, with the growing industrialization of France and the subsequent rural exodus, many truffle fields returned to wilderness.

The First World War also dealt a serious blow to the French countryside, killing 20% or more of the male working force.

As a consequence, newly acquired techniques of trufficulture were lost.

Also, between the two world wars, the truffle groves planted in the 19th century stopped being productive.

Consequently, after 1945, the production of truffles plummeted, and the prices have risen dramatically.

In 1900, truffles were used by most people, and on many occasions.

Today, they are a rare delicacy reserved for the rich, or used on very special occasions.