Truffle Central will see the BCS gym taken over by all things truffle.

A ‘Meet the Micologist’ drop-in space, with Emeritus Professor James Trappe, a renowned forest mycologist, will run at the expo.

People are invited to bring along any mushrooms they’ve found, and Professor Trappe will identify them and have a chat about them, says Peter Marshall, whose business Terra Preta Truffles is a key supporter of the event.

Chef Christian Halbert will be working with hospitality students to produce a truffle-themed menu. Braidwood Farmers markets, as well as a range of local food stalls will be at the event. 

Students will compete with chefs in a truffled dessert competition, the results of which will be auctioned on the day.

As well as being an educational and culinary activity, Truffle Central at Braidwood Central School will celebrate the winter beauty of the area.

“Truffle Central is about education just as much as having fun with truffles,” says Kate Marshall of Terra Preta Truffles.

“It’s also about trying to say that Braidwood, which is very quiet in midwinter, does have some wonderful attributes.”

The Marshalls have been growing truffles at Redesdale for nine years, and love the fungus for both its culinary and environmental uses. Fungus, including truffles, are the linchpin of forest ecosystems, Mr Marshall said. Their symbiotic relationship with eucalypts provides oxygen to root systems, allowing trees to thrive.

The day is a great chance for the kids to learn about truffles through the lens of different disciplines, says Kelly Baumann, one of the teachers organising the event.

“With Professor Jim Trappe they’ll learn about the environment, and the kids who are involved in the food and drink production get to work with a professional chef, and they get to develop their cooking skills,” Ms Baumann said.​