What do careers in Australian Border Force and Australian Agriculture have in common? Well, for this couple, the answer is dogs. From training dogs to protect our borders to using them to hunt for truffles is a fairly unique pivot but that's exactly what Mel and Gavin Booth have done, starting up Australian Truffle Traders in Manjimup Western Australia. They grow and supply Australian Black Truffles, prized by home cooks and chefs alike. As we enter into the southern hemisphere's truffle season, Gavin Booth joins me now to discuss all things truffles.
- Gavin's favourite place on this truffle trail farm in Western Australia.
- In 2006, Mel was working with trained dogs who protect Australia's borders, and decided to train dogs to find truffles instead.
- We hear the history of Manjimup, located in Western Australia and what makes it so special.
- Gavin explains the type of truffle they produce and the role of truffles in growth cycle of trees.
- Truffle farming is a long term commitment as it can take 25 years for them to mature.
- Using the dogs to find these truffles, which are between 10-30cm underground.
- How the aroma and flavour of Truffles impact our brain chemistry.
- Gavin and Mel's recent trip to Europe, where they met some of their Michelin star clientele who share how much they love the Australian Black Truffle.
- The wonderful thing is, as well as cooking with them and eating them in restaurants, truffle fans can experience the hunt themselves on the farm through Hound and Hunter
- The now hugely popular Truffle Kerfuffle Festival.
- What Gavin loves most about life on the land.
- The most common truffle misconception.
- Gavin's Ultimate dream for the future.
We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.
Links:
Angie Asimus
Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram
Partnered with Australian Farmers
Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram
Hound and Hunter
Truffle Kerfuffle Festival
Produced by Pretty Podcasts
