Profitable business: Ukrainians can make money on truffles

Truffle is one of the most popular delicacies in the world. The climate in Ukraine is great for growing this product. However, truffle growing in Ukraine still has a local character, writes “Agro-Center”.

Truffles are mushrooms that grow underground, feeding on the roots of other plants. They can be found at a depth up to 40 cm and are, therefore, not easily found. Truffles resemble potatoes in terms of appearance; can reach up to 10 centimeters in diameter. Truffles usually grow by one, but sometimes you can find 5-7 mushrooms in one place.

The limited cultivation of truffles in Ukraine is due to the peculiarities of the legislation in our country. The sale of wild truffles in Ukraine is prohibited.

Truffles can be used in making delicious dishes, as a raw material for oil, or eaten raw. Storing truffles requires special conditions. Therefore, are not many places where one can taste this product. The cost of truffles is rather high, so a serving is usually only 8 grams.

Domestic restaurants prefer truffles grown in Ukraine, because then they can be stored longer, and have a lower cost.

A price for these mushrooms depends on a variety. Prices range from $50 to $5000 per kilogram. In Ukraine, prices are decided on by sellers themselves. On average, 1 kg of truffles in restaurants costs at least 4000 hryvnias.

There is a high demand for truffles in Ukraine. One restaurant, on average, needs 15 kilograms of mushroom per week. Therefore, one won’t be left without work in this sector. Ukrainian truffles are also popular in Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. From these, the product can be exported to other European countries.

Experts believe that, in the future, the laws on growing truffles will be revised, and businesses will develop at an extremely rapid pace. If you plan to work in this sector, keep in mind that the first crop can be received only in 5-6 years.