Truffle couple ‘sharing the love’

Truffle season is upon us, and this small business in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges is giving visitors the opportunity to hunt their own this winter.

Truffle season is upon us, and this small business at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges is giving visitors the opportunity to hunt their own this winter.

Nathan and Chloe Carter run Gembrook Truffles, where an annual average rainfall of 1000mm and well drained soil provide an ideal environment for the fungus to thrive.

“We really emphasise giving everybody who attends the hunt an opportunity to dig up a truffle, and I think the other point of difference is that as well as growing truffles we’re producing trees. It’s a really hands on, educational experience,” said Chloe.

Gembrook Truffles Chloe and Nathan Carter with their Aussie Shepherd Willow. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Growing trees comes in the form of their main business, Trufficulture, started by Nathan in 2007; they grow and supply inoculated trees to commercial growers and truffle enthusiasts.

“I thought it would be something that would be quite unique and different to everything else. So we started inoculating some trees, doing some trials and so forth, and then we ended up planting our own trees in 2010,” Nathan said.

It wasn’t until 2014 their first truffle was discovered under a French Oak, but since then, they’ve done two more plantings, and now have about 500 trees growing across 2ha at their 20ha property.

“We’ve done a lot of work around the quality of trees that we’re producing, so therefore the better quality the tree that goes into the ground, the more reliably consistent the production will be at the other end,” Chloe said.

Nathan and Chloe grow about 500 truffle trees across their Gembrook property. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Then about four years ago, the couple decided to “share the love” and diversify their business into truffle hunts, with their Australian shepherds Willow and Rosie on hand to help.

“We still get excited every time we find a truffle,” Nathan said.