Desert truffle (terfez)

Terfezia spp., Tirmania spp. …

mushroom

An underground tuber with a mild mushroom and hazelnut taste, stewed or grilled after the winter rains.

Origin

Deserts of North Africa and the Middle East

Season (United States)

February to April

Preparation

It is brushed and washed in plenty of water to remove the sand, sometimes peeled, then cooked for a quarter of an hour; it is eaten cooked.

Molecules

Mushroom beta-glucansIn small amounts, not counted Ergothioneine

Did you know?

It is found at the foot of a small plant, the rock-rose, with which it lives in partnership.