Zafer Şerafettin Kavak: The Brave Man Chasing Truffles
Zafer Şerafettin Kavak (50) started a new page in his life by going after truffles 7 years ago. Kavak, who started collecting truffles as an amateur, was not successful in this business with his first dog. However, Kavak, who did not give up, continued on his way with his specially trained Lagotto Ramagnolo puppy, Cesur.
Cesur is a dog breed known for its keen sense of smell and loyalty to its owner. Kavak trained Cesur and started using him to detect truffles. The duo travels from city to city, finding and collecting truffles with Cesur’s help, and makes a living. After detecting truffles underground, Cesur digs them up and brings them to his owner to receive his reward.
Zafer Şerafettin Kavak draws attention to the value of truffles, emphasizing that it is almost impossible to find truffles without a dog. He states that he enjoys this job when the dog finds and brings the mushrooms.
Kavak: “Truffle Mushrooms Are Like Black Diamonds”
Kavak says that it is nothing for those truffles called ‘black diamonds.’ He emphasizes the importance of collecting these valuable mushrooms without harming nature and states that respecting nature also benefits them.
According to Kavak, collecting truffles with a dog is more than just a job; it’s about forming an emotional bond. Understanding what the dog wants and working in harmony with it ensures successful truffle collection.
Kavak also provides information about the prices of truffles. Truffles, which are sold to wholesalers for between 1,000 and 2,000 lira, can be purchased in restaurants for between 6,000 and 15,000 lira. He states that this price difference depends on the quality, appearance and maturity of the mushroom.
