Historia i perspektywy użytkowania i badań trufli w Polsce

In this paper we discuss the data on presence of truffles (Tuber spp.) in Polish literature and culture through the ages. The aim of this article was to give the historical data on truffles as well as the new ones together with the ongoing research on that ultimate fungi. Study concerning widely understood history of and research on truffles in Poland was based on review of literature dating back to XVII century. A total of 67 books and articles were reviewed. Given the rich body of literature, especially in the past centuries, we have come to the conclusion that truffles were well known to the Poles (at least to the nobles and the rich). Some factors determining truffle forgetfulness after the Second World War are given in respect to social, cultural and forests' management changes. The following reasons can be highlighted: (1) changes in the forest cover, which in 1945 was only 20.8% and furthermore unfavorable changes in the forest struc− ture, the tree species composition and the management (undergrowth shading the forest floor) for truffle development; (2) changes in the structure of forest ownership and management, especially disappearance of traditional ways of forest use, such as cattle grazing and brushwood collecting; (3) changes of Polish State borders resulting in significant area of soils, which are conducive to truffles growing (chernozem) coming into the borders of Ukrainian territory; (4) social changes resulted from the extermination and deportations of Polish aristocracy and intelligentsia (including foresters) – knowledgeable social group of people regarding truffle col− lection, use and cultivation as well as migration of people from rural to urban areas and emigra− tion from Poland, and (5) the fact that in time of communists regime there was no room to promote the gourmet products, especially if it was associated with the aristocracy. In consequence, truffles went into oblivion. Furthermore, the aspects of promotion and establishment of truffle orchards in Poland in the last decade are also presented. Based on the authors findings is clearly shown that there is a great potential towards promotion and growing truffles in Poland, especially Tuber aestivum Vittad. known as summer or Burgundy truffle. This species has a wide range in Europe and plasticity to different climatic conditions.