Fresh Italian Truffles Available For A Limited Time

For immediate release
October 23, 2007

Contact:  Aaron Sorenson, Lund Food Holdings, Inc., 952-915-2694

FRESH ITALIAN TRUFFLES AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME AT SELECT BYERLY’S

What: Twin Cities consumers will have a rare and limited opportunity to purchase fresh white and black truffles from Italy on Nov. 2-3 at select Byerly’s stores.

The amount of truffles that will be available will depend upon market availability at the time. To increase the likelihood of being able to purchase some of these coveted truffles from Urbani Tartufi, consumers are strongly encouraged to pre-order their truffles now by visiting the deli service counter at any Lunds or Byerly’s store. The truffles will be available for pick up on Friday, Nov. 2 at Byerly’s in Edina from noon to 6 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Byerly’s in St. Louis Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Urbani truffles are unearthed by Italian cavatori (truffle hunters) who scour the countryside with the help of specially trained dogs who are able to smell the truffles that are growing near tree roots underground. Because of the intensely manual harvesting process along with the difficulty in finding them, truffles are one of the most expensive food items in the world. White truffles typically cost between $3,500 and $4,500 per pound. Black truffles are currently selling at $400 to $500 per pound.

Lunds & Byerlys will be selling truffles in .03-pound increments (about the weight of one truffle). Because of the fluctuating market price for truffles, the exact price charged at Byerly’s will not be known until the sale dates.

White and black truffles are typically shaved thin or grated and placed on pasta and cheese dishes, omelets, risottos, polentas and sauces. To learn more about truffles, click here.

When & Where: Friday, November 2
Byerly’s Edina
7171 France Ave. S.
Noon – 6 p.m.

Saturday, November 3
Byerly’s St. Louis Park
3777 Park Center Blvd.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Interview
Opportunity:
Lunds & Byerlys Chef Peter Kuhr is available for interviews about the unique and intense flavor of truffles and their many uses.
Who: Edina-based Lund Food Holdings, Inc. operates 10 Lunds and 11 Byerly’s supermarkets in the Twin Cities and surrounding area.    www.LundsandByerlys.com