MASSIMO CUCCHIARA
My name is Massimo and I’m a truffle hunter; I was born in 1974 in San Miniato, a little medieval town located in the heart of Tuscany and deservedly listed as one of undisputed Capitals of the White Truffle (Tuber Magnatum Pico). ”I consider myself one of the few privileged people to have grown up “in the middle of truffles”: my grandfather Lino was one of the firsts truffle hunters in Tuscany with “capital T” and my dad Salvatore, was the President of the Truffle Hunter Association for 18 years!
They are the people that gave me an intense passion for this incredible “Diamond of Nature”, respect for the natural habitat and truffle hunting tradition, a love for the truffle dog (the real superheroes during the hunting) and, of course, a big passion for its valuable use in the kitchen with traditional recipes.
As a result, today, with the help of my family, I am proud to tell you about the real and high quality truffle from our area of Tuscany (so different from the “truffle aroma”, chemicals or “fake truffles”), its tradition, its history, the legends that recall its myth and its uses in the kitchen… this is my heritage and way to preserve the truffle tradition that is lost in today’s commercialized “Truffle Business” and, more importantly, it is a method of preserving a very unique habitat in the world where truffles grow in their wild habitat, not farmed as in France and other areas!
Each one of my Truffle Experience is private and suitable for the whole family, and can be customized upon your request: it’s very important to me that I pass onto you insider “truffle knowledge” that I answer all of your questions and satisfy your “truffle curiosity”! When you depart from your truffle experience, you will be an “Ambassador of the Real Truffle” because you will be able to spread the truffle tradition and protect a special habitat where the “Food of the Gods” grows! I look forward to welcoming you!
A Massimo, nonostante siano anni che porti avanti questo mestiere, la passione gliela si legge negli occhi e la si sente nelle parole. Chissà quante volte è andato per boschi alla ricerca dell’oro bianco magari accompagnando turisti italiani e stranieri ma, ancora oggi, si percepisce un'emozione come quella della prima volta.
(Vagabondisquattrinati) Web Site
L’esperienza con Massimo è stata più di una passeggiata, ma una vera e propria presa di coscienza di cos’è un tartufo (lo sapevate che è un fungo ipogeo?), di cosa vuol dire essere tartufai da generazioni, e soprattutto abbiamo parlato di cosa troviamo in giro e cosa mangiamo.
(Raffaella - Ingegnereerrante) Web Site
L’obiettivo di Massimo è quello di insegnarci a capire che tipo di tartufo acquistare, come conservarlo, quale ordinare al ristorante e, soprattutto, quanto è importante l’habitat naturale del bosco che va lasciato intatto perchè ogni anno possa vedere la luce questo diamante naturale, unico e raro al mondo: sua maestà il tartufo.
(Laura - Lifeblogger) Web Site
Very warm people- Massimo, his Sister and Father. Strong knowledge and history in truffle hunting. After a walk and truffle hunting in forest we had a amazing meal, which was cooked underneath our eyes. Recommend strongly! Grazie Massimo!
(M - Guest) Web Site
Massimo was brilliant, took us out into the woods with Stella (the dog) and his dad. They hunted for truffles whilst he explained everything about what they were doing, the history of the truffle, what to look for in a real truffle etc.
(Guest) Web Site