The truffle spade It is one of the most important tools to use to collect underground mushrooms. It is an object that must have very precise dimensions and a particular configuration, as we are about to discover.
It can be made in different shapes and with various materials: it is essential for collecting truffles, and one must not make the mistake of thinking that any other tool could be used in its place.
In fact, it is useful to remember that truffle picking is an activity for which it is necessary to respect specific rules and a strict regulation . This regulation varies from region to region, but it is always aimed at avoiding damage to the ecosystem in which these fungi develop.
What is the truffle spade for?
As is known, truffles grow below the surface of the soil, in a symbiotic manner with the roots of some plants . Depending on the type of truffle, this symbiosis varies: for example, hooked truffle It prefers a certain type of soil and a certain type of plant, other truffles prefer other contexts, and so on.
To ensure that after the truffles have been collected, more can grow in the same spot, it is very important to act in such a way that the surrounding soil is not damaged and, above all, the roots of the plant are not damaged.
This explains why you need the truffle spade, which is characterised by a special shape thanks to which it is possible dig holes with a minimum diameter: so the truffles themselves can be collected without ruining what is present in the surroundings. Whatever type of spade is used, it is important that this tool is light and at the same time resistant to corrosion, but also:
- Long-lived over time
- Sturdy enough
- Easy to handle
- Not too expensive.
Digging for truffles
This is the reason why well-trained dogs never dig with their paws, but simply point. the point where the truffle is located .
The digger is responsible for digging, and for this action he uses a spade. This tool consists of a handle, which in most cases is made of wood, on which rests a metal blade with a tip that can take on different shapes. As mentioned, it all depends on the characteristics of the terrain in which you will have to dig.
When dealing with a friable and soft soil , for example, you need a spade with a rectangular tip: these are the soils in which prized white truffles grow, among other things. If, on the other hand, the soil is hard, you cannot do without a spade with a heart- or arrow-shaped tip , capable of piercing the earth precisely.
It should be noted, however, that beyond the individual preferences of the quarryman and his practical needs, the shape of a spade also depends on regional directives, which also regulate the dimensions.
The dimensions of a truffle spade
As mentioned, the regulations governing the size of the spades vary from one region to another, but they are still aimed at protect the land and plants . In some regions, regulations even establish what shape the tip of the spade must have.
Let's go into more detail, therefore, to find out what the individual regions have in place in this regard.
In Lazio, Tuscany and Sardinia the use of a truffle spade is mandatory, but the regulations do not indicate specific characteristics or place particular constraints on size.
In In Piedmont , however, the tip of the spade blade can have a maximum width of 8 centimetres. Veneto This tool must have a rectangular blade, which is no more than 3 centimetres wide at the tip and has a maximum length of 10 centimetres.
Moving on to Umbria , the spade used for collecting truffles must have a blade no longer than 15 centimetres and a tip no wider than 8 centimetres.
Finally, in Abruzzo the spade can be a maximum of 15 centimetres long and have a width at the tip of no more than 4 centimetres; the tip cannot be rectangular but must be rounded.
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