News Summary
Luke Gilbert and Natalie Dechiara, truffle hunters from Asheville, North Carolina, faced severe damage from Hurricane Helene but continue their passion for foraging. With the help of their Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, they seek Blue Ridge truffles, which can sell for up to $80 an ounce. Despite recent challenges, their dedication supports Asheville’s culinary scene while they also aid community recovery efforts post-storm. Their future plans include training puppies to ensure a new generation of truffle hunters.
Asheville’s Truffle Hunters Rise from the Ashes of Destruction
Asheville, North Carolina, a charming city nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is home to some remarkably adventurous truffle hunters. Luke Gilbert and Natalie Dechiara, the dynamic duo behind Wild Goods, have successfully carved out a niche in the world of gourmet cuisine through their passion for foraging, particularly for the coveted Blue Ridge truffles (Imaia gigantea). These native delicacies can sell for an impressive $80 an ounce, making the hunt not just a hobby but a potentially lucrative endeavor.
The Paws Behind the Hunt
The couple has a couple of furry helpers in their truffle-hunting pursuits. Two trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs named Massi and Eva are their loyal companions, expertly sniffing out truffles without causing damage to the environment. This method is not only less destructive than traditional pig hunting tactics, but it also ensures that these precious fungi can be harvested sustainably. With the help of their canine companions, Luke and Natalie found an astounding 250 pounds of Blue Ridge truffles last season, a haul that was conservatively valued at over $200,000!
The Storm’s Impact
Resilience in Truffle Hunting
Giving Back to the Community
Teaching and Training the Next Generation
Looking to the Future
A Bright Outlook
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Only In Your State: Chocolate Shop Treats in North Carolina
- Washington Post: Truffle Hunting in North Carolina
- Spectrum Local News: Foraging Truffle Mushrooms in NC
- National Geographic: Best Places for Foraging Tours
- CNN: Rare Truffles in the Appalachian Mountains
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
