Terfez truffle or Terfezia bouderi or terfezia spp or Terfezia claveryi

terfez truffle

Also known as “black kame”, or the “brown kame” or “desert truffle”. It originates on the semi-arid regions of North Africa and Middle East, from Morocco to Iraq. This subterranean mushroom grows abundantly underneath the hot desert sand, and has been collected after heavy rainfalls for thousands of years. Today, it is the most widely collected truffle in the world. They are attributed certain aphrodisiac qualities, and often associated with the cult of the Greek goddess of love, Venus. This truffle is highly perfumed (some would say overpowering), and is traditionally cooked with dishes such as couscous, and is very high in protein. The Terfez is a lighter colored truffle.

The harvesting season goes from late December to early April.