Dinosaur Dung

It is a truth universally acknowledged (my daughter’s watching Pride & Prejudice on her iBook as I write) that when a mainstream journalist tackles truffles, he (or she) will spout bollocks. Today’s ration comes from The Times. (Incidentally, I checked the use of italics for The Times, and discovered that they have their style guide online. Marvellous!)

The author, one Alan Hamilton, had clearly had a good lunch when he wrote:

“There are male and female truffles; inevitably, the female is favoured, having the stronger aroma.”
Since he fancies he knows what dinosaur dung smells like, he may be forgiven this error. Truffles may have sex, but we know precious little about it. And I have never, ever, heard anyone talk about truffle sexing as a key part of truffle quality control.

But I wish I'd had his lunch...

Thursday, November 25, 2004 12:00 am (permalink)

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The Truffle Book

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