Said to have aphrodisiac properties, this fragile species is suffering from drought on Southern European farms and will continue to suffer if predicted temperature increases come to fruition.
But as Southern farms are suffering, some Northern plantations are thriving from the increase in temperature (truffles are very sensitive to both frost and drought). But by the end of the century, scientists predict that in Toulose, France, temperatures will exceed 95 degrees F on 25-55 days out of the year (currently, it's only that hot about four days out of the year).
To make up for poor truffle production in some European regions, wholesalers are now importing truffles from China, but foodies say that the Asian fungi are nowhere near as good as their European counterparts.
So for now, scientists are researching ways to make the truffles more resistant to both drought and frost from climate change. But why are they only being reactive instead of proactive? Why can't we also try to find ways to stop the rapid climate change, instead of just sitting back and accepting it?
Second Helping of Slashfood - June 19
Competitive-Eating Contest to Pit Humans Against Elephants
The Backyard Boom - The Hungry Bride
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-17-2008 @ 12:48PM
MikeB said...
They looks like they might be just fine for the next decade, at the very least...
"Average temperatures in areas such as California and France may drop over the next 10 years, influenced by colder flows in the North Atlantic, said a report today by the institution based in Kiel, Germany. Temperatures worldwide may stabilize in the period. "
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aU.evtnk6DPo&refer=worldwide
Reply