Gianna Bianconi honored for 50 years of truffle hunting

Gianna Bianconi, known as ‘Nara’, is being honored for her 50-year career as a truffle hunter in the Alta Umbria region. Born in Gubbio and raised in Pietralunga, Bianconi began her work at age 15, continuing a family tradition. Her career highlights include discovering a truffle weighing nearly two kilograms in the forests of Apecchio and another 750-gram specimen near her home.

To celebrate her milestone, the municipalities of Città di Castello and Pietralunga, alongside local industry associations, will present her with a commemorative plaque. Despite recent health challenges, Bianconi intends to continue her work, often accompanied by her husband or daughter, Elisa, with the goal of passing the tradition to her grandchildren.

Her story coincides with the 46th edition of the National White Truffle Fair (Salone Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco Pregiato) in Città di Castello, scheduled for late October and throughout November. Local data indicates a growing presence of women in the sector, with 1,775 registered truffle hunters in the Alto Tevere area.