Using Science and Technology to Unveil The Hidden Delicacy Terfezia arenaria, a Desert Truffle

Terfezia arenaria is a desert truffle native to the Mediterranean Basin region, highly appreciated for its nutritional and aromatic properties. Despite increasing interest in this truffle, T. not listed as an edible authorized trade European Union. Therefore, our objective was showcase arenaria’s chemical composition volatile profile. The analysis showed that good source of carbohydrates (67%), proteins (14%), dietary fibre (10%), resulting Nutri-Score A. truffle’s profile dominated by eight-carbon compounds, with 1-octen-3-ol being most abundant (64%), 29 compounds were reported first time arenaria. compositions similar those four commercial mushroom species, while not. An electronic nose corroborated arenaria‘s differs from other tested species. Our data valuable food resource unique aroma analogous meat, which makes it ideal plant-based meat products. findings could help promote sustainable future exploitation ensure quality authenticity delicacy.