Zubaidi Desert Truffles

Zubaidi Desert truffles (Tuber magnatum Picco) have a fragrant aroma and can weigh up to 2 kilograms when fully grown in March, but they start growing in the rainy season from September to November and are fully grown in the sandy soil of regions such as Hafar Al-Batin, Al-Samman, Dabdabah, and Al-Masnat. They also thrive in the regions of Ha’il and Qassim. However, in clayey soil, areas like Arar, Turaif, and Rafha’a are particularly available. It is white in color, has a complex shape, has a strong earthy flavor, and gets soft when cooked.
In the past, truffles were known as "poor man’s meat" and were considered a meat substitute. It was historically called the "thunder plant" because it increases with thunderstorms.
For the harvesting of the product, in addition to employing workers, families, friends, and relatives come together in the spring to search for truffles in the region, which creates a distinctive and pleasant social connection. Truffle hunting can be a profitable activity since truffles sell at high prices. Those who forage for truffles can earn between one and two thousand Saudi Riyals per day by selling them. Some locals are presenting it as a gift to others. The markets flourish during the spring season as people actively search for them, either through foraging or purchasing. This resulted in economic revitalization in truffle-producing regions across various trade sectors.
It is a nutritious food rich in protein, fiber, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. They offer similar health benefits to meat and fish. To prepare a traditional truffle dish, boil them in water for about an hour, then add butter or olive oil to create a delicious and nutritious meal. It can be cooked with meat or added to any desired dish. The search for truffles offers health benefits because, from early morning until noon and from afternoon until sunset, searching is a healthy exercise for those looking for truffles, promoting their health through daily walks in the desert.
Zubaidi Desert truffles do not face the risk of extinction, as they emerge with the seasonal rainfall effortlessly, without human intervention. As long as there is significant and timely rainfall during the wet season, all varieties of desert truffles start sprouting around 85 days after the rain, with each type having its own distinct characteristics. Although this truffle type is dependent on natural rain patterns, the method and timing of its harvesting are important. If harvested prematurely, there may be a risk of hindering its growth in the following season, and if the method involves destroying the landscape, it would be a risk for the disappearance of the Zubaidi Desert truffles.