The ERZURUM Regional Directorate of Forestry, as part of its inventory and planning activities conducted with specially trained dogs, scanned 112 thousand hectares of land in Erzurum and Erzincan, detecting approximately 22 tons of truffle mushrooms underground.
The Erzurum Regional Directorate of Forestry carried out activities to inventory truffle mushrooms, which grow 5 to 20 centimeters underground and are richer in protein and mineral content compared to other species. Natural areas where the mushroom, known as 'black diamond' due to its strong aroma and a price ranging from 100 to 750 euros per kilogram depending on quality, grows were investigated by truffle hunters and specially trained dogs. At the end of the study, approximately 3.5 tons of truffle mushrooms were detected in an area of about 20 thousand hectares in the Horasan, İspir, and Aşkale districts of Erzurum; 6 tons in approximately 30 thousand hectares in the Çayırlı, Kemah, Tercan, and Üzümlü districts of Erzincan; and 12.5 tons in an area of 62 thousand hectares within the Refahiye Forest Management Directorate's jurisdiction.
Artificial truffle forests were also established in the region by the Erzurum Regional Directorate of Forestry. In Erzurum's Aşkale district, 1050 truffle-inoculated mycorrhizal oak saplings were planted. In Erzincan, a total of 1100 truffle-inoculated mycorrhizal oak saplings were planted, with 550 in the Refahiye district and 550 in the Üzümlü district.
Erzurum Regional Director of Forestry Serkan Karakurt stated that truffle mushrooms, which grow 5 to 20 centimeters underground, have come to the fore in the last 10 years. Karakurt noted that truffles are richer in protein and mineral content compared to other mushrooms. Stating that truffles are a very expensive type of mushroom due to their strong aroma and high economic value, Karakurt reported that the price per kilogram of naturally growing truffle mushrooms in Turkey varies between 100 and 750 euros, depending on their variety and quality.
Karakurt explained that underground truffle mushrooms are found by specially trained dogs and individuals known as 'truffle hunters,' adding that sales since 2024 have contributed approximately 30 million liras to the national economy. Karakurt also noted that they produce truffles by inoculating the roots of oak trees with naturally growing truffle mushrooms. He stated, "Within the management area of the Erzurum Regional Directorate of Forestry, an 'artificial truffle forest' was established for the first time. In the Cephanelik afforestation area of Erzurum's Aşkale district, we planted 1050 truffle-inoculated mycorrhizal oak saplings across a 2-hectare site. Additionally, a total of 1100 truffle-inoculated mycorrhizal oak saplings were planted across a 2-hectare area, with 550 in a one-hectare area within Damlaca village in Erzincan's Refahiye district, and 550 in a one-hectare area in Ocakbaşı village in Üzümlü district. Thus, in addition to natural growing environments, we have contributed to the artificial cultivation of truffle mushrooms and their entry into the economy."