• The event hosted numerous activities such as workshops, tastings, buying and selling of truffles, exhibitions on the crops and awards for the best producers.
• Black truffle cultivation is a sustainable practice that generates economic benefits and income for the local population.

The black truffle, also known as "Tuber melanosporu," known for its intense aroma and flavor, has become an essential ingredient in gourmet cuisine. The municipality of Abejar, in the province of Soria, hosted the 22nd Black Truffle Fair from February 12 to 16, 2025, bringing together producers, distributors, chefs, and food lovers to celebrate one of the most prized culinary gems.

The Black Truffle Fair is one of the most anticipated events for Spanish gastronomy lovers. Every year, this gathering attracts thousands of visitors eager to learn more about this unique delicacy. This fair pays tribute to it, highlighting its cultivation, culinary uses, and economic potential for the region.

Activities and prizes

The Black Truffle Fair is, without a doubt, a highly significant event for both locals and visitors from around the world. A variety of activities took place during the day:

1. Truffle Exhibition and Sale: One of the main attractions of the fair was the exhibition of black truffle varieties cultivated in the region. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase fresh truffles and derived products such as oils, creams, and preserves, and learn about the cultivation and harvesting process of this fungus firsthand.

2. Food tastings and demonstrations: Renowned chefs offered culinary demonstrations and tastings, where black truffles took center stage in a variety of innovative dishes.

3. Truffle dog hunting exhibitions : Another popular activity was a demonstration of how trained dogs search for truffles in the countryside. This process is fundamental to truffle harvesting, and many producers shared their knowledge and experiences with the attendees.

4. Awards for the best products and producers : Several awards were presented during the event, recognizing excellence in the cultivation and quality of truffle products. Among the winners were local producers, specifically the Center for Forestry and Industry Services and Promotion of Castilla y León (Cesefor) , an organization awarded the 2025 Golden Truffle by the Abejar City Council.

Economic and environmental impact

The cultivation of this mushroom has grown significantly in recent years, Being one of the main sources of income in many rural areas of Soria, it is part of a culinary tradition that ranges from simple dishes to more sophisticated creations.

However, it is not just a purely gastronomic product; it also has an impact on the economy and the environment:

• Economic boost: The province of Soria has large areas of truffle cultivation, which, through various initiatives such as the Black Truffle Fair, promote direct sales and facilitate connections between producers, local restaurateurs, and consumers. It has also managed to attract tourists, who contribute to the region's economic growth.
• Sustainability: Cultivating this product not only generates income, but is also a sustainable practice where truffle farmers themselves implement traditional cultivation methods that protect the region's forests. They also promote initiatives to research sustainable crop management and the creation of the Truffle Growing School , which will open its doors this April.