The 19th World Auction held in Alba, near Turin, resulted in a record price: a white truffle of 850 grams was auctioned 85,000 euros, or 100 euros per gram. Last year a truffle of the same weight was sold 75,000 euros. The sale took place in conjunction with Hong Kong, where the buyer of the white truffle, whose identity was not disclosed, was located.
Every year for 88 years, the city of Alba, Piemonte, hosts almost two months a big white truffle fair during which the auction takes place.
An excellent harvest this year
The white truffle Alba, harvested from September 21 to January 31, is extremely famous. "It is characterized by an intense scent that produces romantic meetings, forests, nature, it's very stimulating," said Antonio Degiacomi, president of the National Center for Truffle Studies, to AFP.
The harvest is excellent this year, both in terms of quality and quantity, after a difficult season. "This season is very positive because it was raining in July, July and August and thunderstorms, which could provide a good variety of water. And, as we know, the truffle is a hypogeous fungus, and therefore needs a season like this, says Degiacomi.
"Last year, due to the drought that led to a low harvest, we arrived at 600-700 euros per 100 grams," said Mr. Degiacomi.
