Truffles
Truffle lovers will find Le Lot home to an wide array of truffles and truffle products, from the expensive black truffles hiding under oak trees in the limestone cracked soil of "Le Causse" to truffle oils and truffle salts. The Lotois also take advantage of the market for "Summer truffles" which grow on oak vines nurtured over many year. The prime season for truffle hunting runs from December to March. Join truffles hunts or visit the villages of Lalbenque (Tuesday at 14:00) and Limogne (Friday mornings) to find your perfect truffle. Regional pasta and omelette specialties also present a must-have culinary experience.
Truffles and Mushrooms
Truffle lovers will find Le Lot home to an wide array of truffles and truffle products, from the expensive black truffles hiding under oak trees in the limestone cracked soil of "Le Causse" to truffle oils and truffle salts. The Lotois also take advantage of the market for "Summer truffles" which grow on oak vines nurtured over many year. The prime season for truffle hunting runs from December to March. Join truffles hunts or visit the villages of Lalbenque (Tuesday at 14:00) and Limogne (Friday mornings) to find your perfect truffle. Regional pasta and omelette specialties also present a must-have culinary experience.
Winter truffle season in Le Lot runs from the first week in December to the middle of March. The villages of Lalbenque and Limogne hold truffle markets on Tuesday and Friday, respectively.
Lalbenque's winter truffle market is held along its main street and takes place every Tuesday from the first week in December to the middle of March. The market opens at precisely 2:00 pm.
Limogne's market is held in the church square and takes place every Friday until the beginning of March. The market opens at precisely 10:30 am.
A number of restaurants in the area specialize in truffle cuisine.
TRUFFLES AND MUSHROOMS
Cèpes
The cèpe mushroom grows in the wild amidst Le Lot's chestnut and oak forests. Firmly ensconced the region's culinary tradition, Cèpe omelets are a ubiquity as a standard "plat du jour" on lunch menu. Chefs are usually also quite happy to make the recipe upon command. The cèpe is also used in specialty traditions such as snail cassoulet and crispy sautéed potatoes. Cèpes, like Girolles, are also well-suited for drying and reconstitution.
Girolles
Le Lot is rich in girolles, a delicious mushroom within the Cantharellus genus. Girolles are typically found in clusters, hidden under leaves and underbrush. Look for the bright orange color and gill-like ridges underneath a smooth cap. The best time to mushroom hunt is a day or two after a good rain. For the less adventurous, girolle vendors are found at nearly every market during the summer months.
Girolles are considered a culinary delicacy with a rich flavor and earthy aroma. Chefs use the mushrooms in everything from omelets to potato sautés, soufflés, cream sauces and even paté. Girolles are also well-suited for drying and reconstitution.