Truffles are a treasure in the deserts of southern Tunisia...

Deep in the southeastern Tunisian desert, you see people spread out here and there from all social strata and classes, turning their gaze toward the earth and slowly walking in search of "thunder plant" or "truffles".

 
Truffles ripen in this period of each year in the regions of southern Tunisia, specifically in the provinces of Medenine and Tataouine, where the appearance of this type of mushroom continues from late January to April, and it has become a major concern of the residents of the region.

Truffles are also abundant in other Arab countries, and their names differ from one country to another. In Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco, they are called "truffles", and in Sudan they are "the girl of thunder".

Truffles are eaten after being cooked in water and salt after cleaning them from dirt. It can also be cooked with some foods such as pasta, couscous and soup, and there are those who roast on the fire.

Rare wild mushrooms

Truffles or truffles are a rare seasonal wild fungus, which grows after raining in the desert under the soil with a depth of 5 to 15 centimeters, and the weight of a single truffle is between 30 to 900 grams.

Truffles grow in a potato-like shape, near some types of desert plants and close to the roots of huge trees such as oak trees, and is considered one of the tastiest and most valuable types of desert mushrooms.

Truffles are soft, meaty, spherical, smooth or tuberous, and vary in color from white to black and red, and are of varying sizes, some of which may be smaller until they are about the size of an almond or grow to the size of the pomegranate or larger.

The researcher truffles to dig the ground and eject the mushrooms in a seemingly arduous way for those who are unaware of it, but it is enjoyable for those who know it.

Health benefits

Truffles are also used to treat osteoporosis and nails and break them quickly, as it contains a large amount of protein and minerals needed for health, activity and growth, including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper.