The European black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) has been a prized delicacy in gastronomy since Roman times. However, do you truly understand what a truffle is? Are you familiar with its production areas? Did you know that while there are many species of truffles, only one is the authentic European black truffle (Tuber melanosporum)? Have you considered the distinctions between the genuine aroma of fresh truffles and the added imitation aromas? Do you know that within truffles, there are different categories depending on their quality? Do you know how to properly use and storage truffles to preserve their unique qualities? Perhaps you’re interested in exploring truffle tourism in Europe?
If you are curious about these questions, Trufforum will help you discover the secrets of the truffle from our producers, chefs, and experts. Additionally, we invite you to enjoy a tasting of fresh truffles brought directly from our production areas and pair them with our prized wines.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Trufforum New York 2026 – Activity Program
The precious “Black Diamond” of cuisine
The Black Truffle Tuber Melanosporum
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 | Marriott Pavilion, Hyde Park, New York
Coordinators: Dr. Joaquin Latorre (European Mycological Institute) and Dr. Fernando Martínez Peña (National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology-CSIC)
9:00 am
Welcome and Introduction
Start the day with a warm welcome and an overview of what’s ahead.
- Jason Potanovich, Associate Dean for Restaurant and Volume Food Production Education, CIA New York.
- Michel Tournayre, President of the European Truffle Growers Association (online)
- Dr. Fernando Martínez Peña, Director of the European Mycological Institute.
9:10 am
The European Black Truffle: a natural, authentic, and unique product
Dr. Fernando Martínez-Peña (National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology-CSIC) will guide us into the fascinating world of the black truffle, covering its description, history, ecology, species, and main production areas.
9:20 am
(Online)
Treasure hunting at the Teruel Black Truffle Experience Park
Daniel Brito García-Mascaraque, from the Truffle Growers Association of Teruel (Spain) -the world’s leading black truffle-producing region, will introduce this unique park dedicated to the black truffle.
9:30 am
Truffle selection, quality, and preservation — don’t be fooled!
Learn how to choose the best truffles and preserve them effectively. Don’t be misled by artificial aromas added to food products. Presented by Paloma Lorente, Director of the Atruter Tasting Panel of Teruel.
9:40 am
(Online)
Truffle Tourism in Europe
Explore the exciting world of truffle tourism across Europe with Dr. Joaquin Latorre from EMI (EU)
9:50 am
(He will probably attend in person; otherwise, he will join online.) The Napa Truffle Festival
Robert Chang, Director of the Napa Truffle Festival (California), the leading U.S. festival dedicated to the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum).
10:00 am
Guided Tasting of the European Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum)
Join Paloma Lorente, Director of the Atruter Tasting Panel of Teruel, for a delightful guided tasting experience.
11:00 am
(Online)
Culinary Demonstrations with Black Truffle
The winner of the international competition “Cooking with Truffle,” organized in Soria by the Regional Government of Castilla y León (Spain), will present the winning dish for 2026, selected by a prestigious jury.
11:30 am
Questions and Learning Assessment
Participate in a session with Dr. Fernando Martínez-Peña (INIA-CSIC) and Paloma Lorente (ATRUTER) to reinforce your learning.
12:00 am
Closing Remarks
End the day with final thoughts and reflections.
Jason Potanovich
Associate Dean—Restaurant Education and Volume Production del CIA New York
Michel Tournayre
President of the European Truffle Growers Association
Dr. Fernando Martínez-Peña
PhD Senior Researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (CCA-INIA-CSIC) and Director of the European Mycological Institute (EMI).
Daniel Brito García-Mascaraque
President of the Association of Truffle Growers of Teruel ATRUTER, Sarrión, Teruel province (Spain).
Paloma Lorente
Director of the Atruter Tasting Panel of Teruel
Dr. Joaquin Latorre Minguell
PhD Researcher specialized in mycotourism and Secretary General of the European Mycological Institute, EMI (EU).
Robert Chang
Director of the Napa Truffle Festival (California).
Follow us on social media:
Instagram EMI
Instagram Trufforum
Web EMI
Web Trufforum
Organizers:
Collaborators:
