Truffle Hunting

1. Take a stroll through the forest when the weather is warmer. Because you have to dig the truffles up, it is easiest to hunt for truffles a week or so after a good rainfall.

2. Look for oak trees, beech trees, pines, hazelnut trees and Douglas firs, by which Oregon truffles are commonly found. Examine the base of the tree, searching for holes dug by forest rodents who eat truffles.

3. Rake the leaves from the base of the tree if you believe there are truffles underground. Dig two- to four-inch-deep holes carefully around the tree.

4. Remove the soil carefully as you dig and look for signs of truffles. These tuberous fungi grow anywhere between one to six inches in diameter. They have a warty texture and range in color including red, white, brown and black.

5. Pick the truffles you find. Dust the dust the dirt from them and store them in a paper bag to control moisture levels.