The Alba White Truffle is an old acquaintance of mine. Actually, is much more than that, is a real childhood friend. Born and bred on the luscious hills of Piemonte, with the silvery peaks of Monviso and Bisalta just outside my bedroom’s window, in the Fall truffles were common on my family’s kitchen table, because my father was – and still is – a keen “trifolao,” a truffle hunter. We always had truffle dogs and I have memories of dad training young ones to become “cani da tartufi,” hiding pieces of mature cheese around for them to find, only to pass to small pieces of truffles when they were ready to become pros.
Remembering Lila and Laika (yes, truffle dogs are usually always females!), dad’s truffle dogs during my childhood, brings back the softness of their fur, the sweet touch of their nuzzle on my face and an enormous amount of images involving my father coming home with handfuls and handfuls of tartufi bianchi, these precious, fragrant tubers sometimes I think of as the gold of Piemonte. Directly associated to these snapshots, are those of my grandmother in the kitchen making wild mushroom sauce and fresh “tajarin,” the table set with truffle shaver and truffles in the middle, ready to serve the finishing touch on a classic of Italian Fall cuisine.
Yes, I am familiar with truffles and I’ve always taken pride in saying so, so you may imagine my surprise when I got to know something entirely new and, to me, surprising about them: they make amazing natural beauty products. The company behind this innovation is Piemonte’s own Alba Tartufi, a business active in the marketing of Alba’s truffles and truffle products all over the world, for the past 30 years. A passion for this symbol of our region – and for the natural, culinary and cultural wealth it represents – are at the root of Alba Tartufi’s work, as its owner and director, Ugo Cauda, tells us in this interview, where we’ll learn what makes Alba’s truffles so special and why they’re also good for your skin.
Your company brings the Alba White Truffle, a real symbol of Italian excellence, around the world. What inspired you to begin this venture and how do you present tartufo to the international market?
Alba Tartufi has been searching and selecting the best truffles for the past 30 years, always picking them among the most prestigious cru. Throughout the years, our society developed in three directions: the Food Division, formed by the Fresh Truffles and the Preserved Truffles lines; the Cosmetic Division, with the “Truffle of Alba , BEAUTY” line, entirely made with Alba White Truffle extracts, and the Nature Division, which focuses on truffles’ simulated search.
Our activity is rooted in the profound love and passion we have for Langhe, Roero and Monferrato – today part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage – lands of autumnal scents and, indeed, of truffles, especially in October.
Tell us something more about the Alba White Truffle, especially for those who may not be too familiar with it: what does it add to a dish? And what is, in your opinion, the best way to enjoy it?
The Alba White Truffle is scents and flavors, of course, but it’s also a symbol of the magic and pleasure of conviviality. The best way to enjoy it is, without a doubt, paired with simple, wholesome dishes, made with a handful of high quality ingredients, just like Italian traditional cuisine teaches. I would pick a recipe that is a triumph for the senses, in spite of its simplicity: fried eggs with Alba White Truffle.
Even consumed truffle lovers may be surprised by the idea truffles can be used for the production of beauty products: how did you find out about the beneficial qualities of tartufo for our skin? And what are they?
The Alba White Truffle is rich in amino acids and minerals and its extract supports skin’s hydration, making it smooth and protecting it from external agents. It has a very high concentration of anti-oxidants, which are known to fight skin ageing. So our Alba White Truffle extract is truly a natural anti ageing treatment. But there is more: pharmaceutical research showed it is also a powerful skin regenerator that brightens it and prevents blemishes and age spots.
What made you believe the Alba White Truffle Cosmetic Line was the right way to go?
You see, truffles are real sentinels of our environment. They do not tolerate pollution, herbicides and artificial fertilizers, therefore only grow in unspoiled, clean areas. And because Alba White Truffle is so important, it has become a real instrument to keep them always like that, to protect them. This idea of nature’s wholesomeness, along with the knowledge of the incredible characteristics of its extract, made us conceive our Biuté Cosmetics, a complete line of products for the daily care of women’s skin.
We are talking about a fully natural line, born in the Langhe and entirely produced in Italy: how important is, to you, this link with Piemonte and its territory, with nature and, ultimately, with Italy?
Indeed, white truffles are indissolubly tied to our soil, our territory and our very own climate. The Alba White Truffle is different from all others for these very reasons. Even if it is the same as other white truffles from a botanical point of view, Alba’s white is truly unique both in the kitchen, with its unmistakable flavor and scent, and as the active ingredient of natural cosmetics.
To find out more visit www.albatartufi.com
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