Hello, dear producers!
Autumn is already well underway and, as always, a lot is happening in the truffle orchards! The past few weeks have been very busy on our end, and we have nothing to complain about! With everything happening in the field, we wanted to take a little time to give you an update, but also to hear from you.
This is also an occasion we would like to make more regular with you. An opportunity to share our discoveries, our observations, and the small, as well as the big, news that advance truffle cultivation here.
Autumn is in full swing in the truffle orchards!
Autumn is always a time we look forward to at Truffes Québec. After years of caring for the trees and monitoring their development, seeing the first truffles appear is a great reward for all the work accomplished.
And this year, we have something to celebrate! After the five truffle orchards that produced their first truffles in 2025, at least 3 new producers are joining this year, with harvests of Appalachian truffles, Rugosum truffles, and pecan tree truffles. Great news for the industry!
While some truffle orchards are starting to produce, others are just getting their roots planted! In 2026, our team planted more than 12,000 truffle trees in 12 new truffle orchards in Quebec and Ontario. A particularly busy planting season!
We are taking this opportunity to recognize the work of our entire team, and especially that of our two colleagues from Guatemala, Samuel and Isaias, who gave us a solid hand throughout the season. They have just left for the winter and we hope to see them again next spring!
Between the nursery, the plantations, the harvests, and the development of the fresh truffle market, we haven't had time to get bored! A big thank you to the entire team, as well as to you, the producers, who trust us and help grow the industry.
And what if your first truffles were already there?
Did you know that some truffle orchards can start producing as early as 4 years? Of course, each species and each truffle orchard develops at its own pace, and the Appalachian truffle generally prefers to make itself wait a little longer. If your trees reach this age, it may be the right time to start watching for the first signs of production!
In fact, the 2026 season has brought us better harvests than last year. Depending on the species and conditions, the harvest can continue until mid-December.
Don't know where to start? You will find information on truffle research and harvesting in your production guide, accessible free of charge from the member area, or available for purchase here.
A dry autumn... and an approaching winter
We probably don't need to tell you that irrigation required special attention at the beginning of autumn. With drier conditions, many had to continue irrigating longer than expected.
Even as temperatures drop and deciduous trees lose their leaves, there are still a few precautions to take before the ground freezes for good. Special attention must be paid to conifers, which need a good water reserve to limit the risk of winter desiccation, while avoiding excess water.
This is also the right time to make one last round of your plantations: check the protections, stakes, and mulch, monitor the overall condition of the trees, and spot any possible signs of pests.
And for those whose trees are already a few years old, keep your eyes open! Some truffle orchards are starting to show signs of truffle activity, notably the appearance of scorch marks. This is also the time to assess the season and think about the follow-ups to plan for next year.
To go a little further...
Because the needs of a young plantation are not exactly the same as those of a more developed truffle orchard, we have prepared practical advice tailored to the age of your trees in your member area. There you will find the checks to perform before winter, the precautions to take, as well as the observations and follow-ups to prioritize according to the development stage of the truffle orchard.
SEE TRUFFLE ORCHARD WINTERIZATION ADVICE IN THE MEMBER AREA
From the field to the laboratory, research continues!
Alongside the harvests, several scientific projects supported by Truffes Québec continue to advance our knowledge of truffles from here.
Truffle cultivation takes root in Haute-Gaspésie
Truffle cultivation continues to make its way in Quebec, and this time, it is happening in Haute-Gaspésie! Truffes Québec is currently developing with the company Truffes Gaspésie to prepare the establishment of a truffle orchard adapted to the northern climate and the soils of the region. A first plantation planned for 2027, with the development of one hectare of truffle orchard. A second hectare should then be added during a later phase.
But the project does not stop at the plantation! The two companies have signed a research agreement with Biopterre to determine which tree species pair best with the native truffle strains isolated by our team and to develop cultivation practices adapted to the conditions of the region.
A project we will follow with great interest and which could open new possibilities for truffle cultivation in northern environments!
At Université Laval, we are interested in the aromas of our truffles!
A study led by David Fortier and the renowned Pr Normand Voyer looks at the particularities of the main Quebec truffles. For two years, the researchers will notably study their aromatic compounds, their sensory properties, and the possible differences from one terroir to another.
The goal? Better understand what distinguishes our truffles and to document their characteristics. In the longer term, this knowledge could even help lay the foundations for a possible controlled designation of origin for Quebec truffles.
And the work is not only done in the laboratory! A group of experts and truffle hunters are collaborating to find the best specimens. Some producers are also collaborating and providing samples, according to a precise harvesting and storage protocol. The people involved will be contacted to learn the terms of participation.
Note: In the photo we see David Fortier with Anie and Kim from Truffière Terra Saxa in Knowlton during a visit dedicated to the study of the aromas of their truffles.
A new species of truffle soon to be scientifically recognized?
Did you know that some truffles from here are already harvested and marketed without even having an official scientific name yet? This is exactly what Truffes Québec is working on, in collaboration with researcher Greg Bonito and the University of Michigan.
The goal? To describe and officially name a native truffle species that is still undescribed and which is of particular interest for its gastronomic qualities and its production potential in truffle cultivation.
On our end, we provide the truffles, the mycorrhizae, and the truffle trees from different harvest sites. We also document the conditions under which the species develops and are also collaborating with Université Laval to study its aromatic profile. The scientific analyses necessary for its description are carried out at the University of Michigan.
The benefits of this work also extend beyond its scientific recognition. By allowing this truffle to be distinguished from other related species, particularly those of the pecan tree, this identification will facilitate its traceability, compliance with phytosanitary standards, and marketing according to its own characteristics.
This characterization will precisely allow us to better understand and showcase its aromatic qualities. On the production side, the work will allow the development of specific genetic tools to ensure better monitoring of the species through DNA analysis in the truffle orchard, as well as to better characterize its mycorrhizae to facilitate its monitoring on truffle plants and in the plantation.
Quebec Truffles Honored in France
Research does not stop with what happens underground! It is also interested in how to make our local truffles known and showcase them. A marketing case study conducted by professors from UQTR, in collaboration with Maude, won the AFM – CCMP 2026 Best Marketing Case Award at the French Marketing Association Congress, held in France last May!
Titled Quebec Truffles: From Innovation to Marketing, this case study looks at a challenge we know well: how to introduce and market a product that is still little known in Quebec, while the truffle is traditionally associated with the great European terroirs. Intended for university students in marketing in the bachelor's degree, master's programs and MBA, as well as professionals in specialized training, it will allow them to think about marketing strategies, consumer education, and showcasing the terroir.
A great recognition for the work accomplished and an additional opportunity to make Quebec truffle cultivation shine beyond our borders!
Quebec Truffles & its partners in action!
Between field activities, meetings, and projects with our partners, the last few weeks have also been very busy!
This fall, several initiatives contributed to introducing the local truffle and showcasing the people working to develop the industry:
- Launch of the first and only Truffle Production Guide in North America in collaboration with CRAAQ, co-written by Sophie & Jérôme.
- Truffle hunting workshop with a dog at Truffes Québec with Cristallin’o Truffes Lagotto.
- Filming at Truffes Québec for a truffle hunting segment with Chef Hugo Saint-Jacques.
- Filming with Toyota, Soif de bouffe, and Les Mal-Aimés, recommended by the Michelin guide and winner of the best restaurant of the year Aliments du Qc
- Radio report for Radio-Canada at Truffes Choinière, in Farnham, to discover their family project and their passion for native truffles.
- During an interview with Gino Chouinard on 98.5 FM, Fabien Cloutier shared his enthusiasm for Quebec truffle cultivation, imagining that one day, we will look forward to the truffle season with as much impatience as the strawberry and corn seasons.
- Quebec Truffles at the heart of thearticle « La culture des truffes se coordonne » published by La terre de chez nous. The article highlights the growth of Quebec truffle cultivation, the first harvests, and the efforts to structure the industry, notably with our new production guide!
- Presentation of our truffles to the participants of MasterChef Québec 2026 on TVA.
It is always a pleasure to see Quebec truffles making headlines and reaching new curious people!
Note: In the photo we see Maude and Jérôme in the company of Chef Hugo Saint-Jacques, at the TQ orchard.
We will see you soon for the next part!
In our next edition, we especially want to return to our experiences in marketing fresh truffles and the importance of working together to make local harvests known and showcase them.
On our end, Maude has just returned from France where she met partners and discovered different practices related to the production and marketing of truffles. We will certainly have some great observations to share with you!
See you soon,
Maude and Jérôme
Innovative truffle cultivation in Quebec!
Cultivating passions, harvesting happiness!
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Producing truffles, a long and uncertain process: V. Boisclair’s report