Popular delicacy truffles hit Kuwaiti market

The "desert truffle" is a rare delicacy with a dedicated marketplace in Kuwait, where remnants of the Iraqi invasion and changing weather patterns have decimated local production.

Less prestigious and less expensive than its darker cousin, the Middle Eastern truffle is a prized ingredient for bedouins, who integrate it into their traditional rice and meat dishes or in sauces, boiled with onions.

The advent of the new year has brought with it the early arrival of the first batch of truffle to the market, a tradition that typically unfolds towards the end of January each year. The early arrival of this popular Middle Eastern dish has sparked optimism for a bountiful season ahead.

A recent tour by Al-Rai at the Al-Faqaa market unveiled a bustling scene of preparation, transforming the market into a workshop for setting up stalls expected to commence operations in the coming week. Vendors were already present, serving eager customers with freshly arrived truffles from Iraq and Saudi Arabia in various sizes.

Enaya Abu Saad, a seller at the market, shared the promising news, stating, “The good news began early, with the arrival of the first batch of Iraqi and Saudi truffles, as their prices differed. A kilo of large truffles is sold for 30 dinars, 15 for medium, and 10 for small variety.” She expressed optimism that the market would come to life with the arrival of larger quantities of truffles, including those from Syria and possibly Africa, by the end of January.

Citizen Abdullah Al-Musafer highlighted the significance of truffles in Kuwait, describing them as “the daughter of thunder, rain, and righteousness,” expressing the deep passion Kuwaitis have for this beloved plant. Al-Musafer explained that truffles naturally grow in the desert after the rainy season, from mid-November to the end of April, offering high nutritional value and potential health benefits.

He added, “Kuwaiti truffles are the most expensive because they are local and sold fresh. However, high demand and insufficient rain lead to importing truffles from Gulf countries, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco.” Al-Musafer acknowledged that current prices are expected to be higher at the beginning of the season but may normalize as more truffles become available.