Tartufo Bianco del Serrapotamo is a prized delicacy that has transformed Carbone, a charming village in the Basilicata region, by bringing a surge of tourism and revitalising the local economy through an annual exhibition.

Travelling southbound along the Apennine Mountains, the rugged terrain gradually gives way to the gentle rolling hills characteristic of this largely undiscovered part of Basilicata—also known by its ancient Byzantine name, Lucania. This region in Italy’s deep south is bordered by the regions of Campania to the west, Apulia to the north and east, and Calabria to the south. Cradled between two breathtaking coastlines and set within the Pollino National Park—where Mount Pollino towers over the quaint villages scattered at its feet—the region’s combination of temperate climate, nutrient-rich soil and complex biodiversity provide the ideal conditions for the growth of Tartufo Bianco del Serrapotamo, the prestigious white truffle named after the Serrapotamo river.

A relatively recent discovery around these parts, the white truffle is one of seven specialties from Carbone certified as Prodotti Agroalimentari Tradizionali (traditional agri-food products), a designation that safeguards the preservation of traditional agricultural practices tied to specific regions. Undisputed as the culinary king of the area, the white truffle is celebrated annually at La Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco del Serrapotamo, a market exhibition that attracts truffle connoisseurs and aficionados from across the country, and generates much tourism and revenue in an otherwise tranquil part of Southern Italy. 

Elders of the area—as reported by Mariano Mastropietro, Mayor of Carbone—recall seeing people in the past wandering through the dense woods with dogs in tow, unaware of what they were doing or what they were searching for. To add to the mystery, this happened even when the hunting season was closed, making their presence all the more inexplicable and enigmatic. Only around 20 years ago did the locals become aware of the precious gift nature had bestowed upon them—which they have continued to appreciate ever since. 

Organised by the Municipality of Carbone and the Serrapotamo Truffle Association, the exhibition has come a long way since its modest inception in 2007, when a few local tartufai (truffle hunters) decided to promote this highly sought-after fungus. Now in its 17^th year, with visitors hailing from all corners of the country, this has become a significant event in Carbone’s calendar, for reasons that go far beyond the financial gain truffles bring to those fortunate enough to find them. The influx of tourists during the three-day-event has spurned a range of truffle-related businesses, from the transformation of private houses into B&Bs and the creation of a state-of-the-art campground, to local restaurants and bars catering to larger crowds, as well as guided tours showcasing the area’s many attractions.  

Cobblestone alleyways, churches, the monastery and the main piazza of this sleepy little municipality come to life during the three-day festival. The intoxicating aroma of the local cuisine wafts through the air, a delightful mix of fragrant spices and herbs, with the white truffle reigning supreme in many traditional delicacies. Through the shimmering sparks from an open fire for roasting chestnuts, an astute observer will spot Mount Pollino standing proud in the background, seemingly only a stone’s throw away. The air hums with the sharp, sibilant sounds of the local vernacular, blending with voices from near and far to create a pleasant sing-song melody that reverberates through the crisp autumnal air—a harmony reminiscent of times gone by, a melting pot of yester traditions, of people coming together to share in the fruits of the earth.

Among the many historical sites this charming town boasts are the ruins of the Monastero di Sant’Elia e Anastasio, probably dating back to the 12^th century, the Convento Francescano, now a museum of sacred art, and many little churches and chapels scattered throughout the village, redolent of incense, and a testament to the rich religious activity of what was once the capital of Greco-Italian monasticism. Winding through the narrow lanes of river stones and sampietrini (traditional Roman pavement), where balconies are adorned with bright flowers, sweet-scented basil, and garlands of deep red peperoni (capsicum) hung out to dry, visitors can admire the beauty of the palazzi nobiliari (noble palaces) that once belonged to local aristocracy. After the devastating earthquake of 1980, these buildings have now been fully restored to their former grandeur, standing as a testament to the value of preservation in the modern world.

Thanks to the white truffle, Carbone has experienced a remarkable regeneration—a modern-day renaissance that remains steadfast in honouring the area’s customs and traditions. The tartufo bianco is a prime example of how the simplicity of the earth can blend with the complexity of modern innovation—an intriguing oxymoron worthy of further exploration.