Qassim municipality is generally known as a significant haven for truffles cultivation in Saudi Arabia.
Currently, the township of Sheri, in Qassim, is hosting its fourth Truffle Festival to support locally grown truffles and foster the region’s economy
Truffles
Truffle, often found in high-end restaurant menus, are known for being a luxurious and expensive ingredient. They are the spore-producing parts of an edible fungus in the family Tuberaceae which lives underground, especially around the roots of trees in damp forests.
Environmental Factors
Crucially, the successful cultivation of this wild fungus is basically driven by various environmental factors, such as:
- Fertile soil
- Untouched land
- Access to fresh water
- Proper climate
- The presence of the Helianthemum plant, especially in the northern Qassim centers of Sheri and Al-Sa’ira
Cultivation Process
Local farmer Eng. Abdulkarim Saleh Al-Rasheed told the Saudi Press Agency that successful cultivation depends on several factors for instance irrigation timing, water salinity, soil fertility, and temperature. As for truffles, the optimal temperature is measured ten days after the wasm (a traditional weather marker).
At that time, the temperature in northern Qassim reaches between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Consequently, the irrigation usually starts around September 25 in areas where the Helianthemum plant spreads. Eventually, truffles typically start to appear roughly 50 days later.
In addition, Al-Rasheed clarified that cultivated truffles in northern Qassim usually begin to appear around November 20.
Truffles Festival
On Thursday, Qassim municipality stated that the 10-day festival boasts 18 areas showcasing truffles from over 15 farms.
Obviously, the festival serves as a valuable platform for Saudi businesses and entrepreneurs to display their products and services. Meanwhile, it provides them with an important opportunity to elevate the Kingdom’s burgeoning culinary industry.
Interestingly, the event also features 32 areas dedicated to families involved in cottage industries. Moreover, they display several products for instance dates, honey and other foods.
In order to offer unforgettable experiences for all visitors, the festival also hosts paragliding shows, a children’s theater, hospitality zones, and other attractions.
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