Truffles were first commercially produced in the mid 1990’s after being produced in 1987 by Dr Ian Hall, the then mycologist at Invermay Agricultural Centre near Dunedin.

It is estimated that there are now around 300 truffieres in New Zealand but only a small percentage are planted for commercial purposes.

What varieties are there?

The NZTA 2012 survey showed that 90% of the truffieres planted in New Zealand are planted for Perigord or Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum) production. A further 23% of the truffieres are planted in Tuber borchii.  These varieties are grown on Hazel (Corylus avellna), English/Common Oak (Quercus robur), Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) and Pinus pinea.