Not only is there a great challenge for dogs in hunting on deer and rabbit in Gotland, there is also a career in hunting on truffels.
The “black truffle” or “black Périgord truffle” (Tuber melanosporum) is named after the Périgord region in France and grows exclusively with oak. Specimens can be found in late autumn and winter, reaching 7 cm in diameter and weighing up to 100 g. Production is almost exclusively European, with France accounting for 45%, Spain 35%, Italy 20%, and small amounts from Slovenia, Croatia and the Australian states of Tasmania and Western Australia. In 1900, France produced around 1,000 metric tonnes (1,100 short tons) of Tuber melanosporum. Production has considerably diminished in the past century, and is now around 20 metric tonnes (22 short tons) per year, with peaks at 46 metric tonnes (50 short tons) in the best years. The largest truffle market in southwest France is at Lalbenque in Quercy. These markets are busiest in the month of January, when the black truffles have their highest perfume. As of December 2009, black truffles were sold for about €1,000 per kilo in a farmer’s market and €3,940 per kilo in a retail saler.
As a Sunday roast, Falscher Hase came into prominence after World War II. Meat was still scarce but housewives wanted to put a special dish on the table so they mixed chopped meats together, wrapped them around eggs and “roasted” the meatloaf in a shape reminiscent of rabbit, a highly prized meat. As per usual, bacon, or “Speck” spiked the flavor, as did parsley, mustard, Hungarian paprika and sour cream.
Serves 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground round or half beef, half pork, ground