It's Monday morning at 9:30 am. Thick wafts of mist shroud the treetops and create a mystical atmosphere on this autumnal morning. In a parking lot in the forest between the cantons of Aargau and Zurich, Christine opens the trunk of her car. Faletto jumps out of the car full of anticipation. Full of joy, he runs to the edge of the forest, sniffs the grass and comes back to the car. The dog is ready for work. It's truffle season.

Christine Schmid puts Faletto on a lead, hangs her bag around her neck and goes for a walk. "It's the best thing to be out in the forest in the early morning." Truffle hunting is her passion. She was a member of the Swiss Truffle Association for several years and knows everything there is to know about the black tuber.

Faletto is with us today. The three-year-old male comes from Christine's kennel. His name doesn't come from anywhere: Christine's love of wine gave him the name of a red wine from Piedmont.

Faletto is a Lagotto Romagnolo. This dog breed is particularly well suited to truffle hunting due to its excellent nose work and willingness to work. But basically any dog can become a truffle dog. Ideally, training should begin in a playful way as a puppy. The dogs are taught truffle hunting in a playful way with lots of praise and recognition. One thing is important, Christine emphasizes several times: "Practice with real truffles right from the start." Truffle oil or other foods lack essential fragrances.

There are a few rules to follow in order to maximize the yield from a find. The most important thing is to close the hole created when digging up the truffles. Otherwise the fine roots of the trees will dry out and the truffles will no longer be able to thrive. If care is taken with a site, truffles can be harvested there for several decades.

Christine has a clear answer to this question: the exact location of a truffle is never revealed. This is a code of honor among truffle hunters. What is clear is what conditions the truffle needs to thrive. Burgundy truffles appear particularly in calcareous soils. There they grow in symbiosis with the fine roots of oak, hornbeam, lime and hazel. A mixed forest is therefore the ideal place to find the black gold.

The Burgundy truffle is a true all-rounder - whether as an aperitif, starter, main course or dessert. Its unique aroma is best enjoyed in combination with rich, fatty ingredients. To preserve its aroma, it should be stored in an airtight container. This truffle is an excellent flavor enhancer and combines well with mild ingredients to enhance dishes.