The Terfeziaceae, or desert truffles, is a family of truffles (Berber: Tirfas, Arabic: كمأ Kamā’) endemic to arid and semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean Region, North Africa, and the Middle East, where they live in ectomycorrhizal association with Helianthemum species and other ectomycorrhizal plants (including Cistus, oaks, and pines). This group consists of three genera: Terfezia, Tirmania, and Mattirolomyces. They are a few centimetres across and weigh from 30 to 300 grams (1–10 oz). Desert truffles are often used as a culinary ingredient.
Desert truffles, as the name suggests, predominantly grow in the desert. They have been found in arid and semi-arid zones of the Iran also but they are very rare to find and can’t be cultivated (thus justifying their cost)
Desert truffles go by several different names. In Iran they are called Donbalan. For more information please contact us
