Asheville Truffle Hunters Overcome Hurricane Challenges

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs truffle hunting in Asheville

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!