Desert truffles auction and exhibition at Souq Waqif; over 30 tonnes of these prized fungi have been sold

Over 30 tonnes of these highly sought-after mushrooms have been sold since the auction and display of desert truffles at Souq Waqif began in late January, according to Khalid Saif Al Suwaidi, the general supervisor of the show. Every day at 8 a.m., the auction begins and lasts until all the goods is gone. Strong demand has led to quick transactions. 

Al Suwaidi emphasised the truffles' varied places of origin, which included Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Syria, and Iraq.

For the first time, the show is being presented at Souq Waqif, which provides visitors with a more convenient experience by providing abundant parking and help with transporting truffles that they have purchased.

The exhibition is expected to be open from 8 a.m. until the truffles are sold out through the conclusion of Ramadan. Customers visiting the show may also park for free for up to 45 minutes. 

Desert truffles are sold for between one hundred and one thousand Qatari riyals per kilogramme, and because of the great demand, auctions frequently end in less than two hours. The exhibition may be seen at Souq Waqif's eastern square.

The cultural and gastronomic significance of desert truffles, also referred to as "Al Fag'a or Al Kamaa" locally in Qatar, was highlighted in research conducted by Hamad bin Khalifa University Press. 

Throughout Qatar's history, these mushrooms, which are valued for their capacity to adapt to difficult weather conditions, have been used for both culinary and medicinal uses. They are members of the genera Terfezia and Tirmania. 

While the dark brown Ikhlasi kind also has cultural importance, the white truffles, or Zubaidi, are especially valued.