Digging for truffles in France

On the road to the Mas d'Antonin truffle grove, near Beziers in southern France

Elena Anton-Marty leads truffle-hunting groups throughout the winter season

Sammy, her truffle-dog, catches the sent of a ripe example

When ripe, the Tuber melanosporum, or black truffle, is dark but firm to the touch

With a basket full of truffles, we head back to the kitchen...

...and tuck into the harvest

The nearby Chateau de la Redorte runs half-day or truffle hunts through the winter, as well as weekend truffle and wine packages