La Chantrerie : Le commerce des saveurs

In the winter at harvest time, the markets of Quercy and the South-West come alive. Lalbenque's market, near Cahors, is the largest in the South-West. Between the producers and middlemen who buy thoughout the winter for the shops, it's the law of demand and supply. The truffles are still covered in earth, weighed on a roman scale and then carried away in wicker baskets.

Primarily chosen for their firmness, size and maturity, they are then washed, brushed and sorted by hand, left natural, store in woven chestnut wood baskets or preserved. The truffles are sent anywhere where French food is appreciated and contribute to France's international reputation as much as foie gras or Cahors wine.

Truffes are grown in three countries: Spain, Italie and France; France representing 80% of the market.

The flavour business