Kuwait's truffle season brings flavorful desert delight
KUWAIT CITY, March 19: As winter sets in and extends into early spring, Kuwaitis eagerly seek out faqaa (desert truffle), a prized seasonal fungus known for its unique taste and rich flavor. The Kuwaiti variety, in particular, is highly valued, with different types varying in shape, color, and size, among them, Zubaidi is the most sought after due to its large size, white color, and irregularly rounded shape, followed by Khalasi, Jabi, and Hober, the smallest of the varieties. For many, the truffle season is an opportunity to venture into the desert after thunderstorms and rainfall, which create ideal conditions for truffle growth. Typically lasting about two months, truffle season sees enthusiasts scanning the sandy or clay-rich terrain for telltale cracks and soil lumps-signs of truffles maturing underground, and once harvested, the truffles are either consumed or sold in the market, where they fetch high prices due to their rarity and culinary appeal. (KUNA)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Suspends Air Traffic in Response to Regional Escalation
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: The State of Kuwait has announced the temporary closure of its airspace as a precautionary measure in response to escalating regional developments. The move, effective immediately and until further notice, aligns with similar steps taken by several neighboring countries. Authorities stated that the decision aims to safeguard national security and ensure the safety of the public amid heightened tensions in the region. The closure applies to all incoming and outgoing flights, with ongoing coordination taking place between Kuwaiti agencies and international partners to assess the evolving situation. In line with the government's directive, Kuwait Airways has announced the suspension of all departing flights from Kuwait until further notice, citing passenger safety and compliance with national aviation directives. The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has called on all travelers and airlines to closely follow official updates and fully cooperate with the implemented measures. The DGCA stressed that the decision was made in the public interest and that further announcements will be issued as necessary.
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Second flight brings more Kuwaitis home from Iran
KUWAIT: Relatives welcome their loved ones who were evacuated from Iran after they arrived at Kuwait International Airport (T4) on Sunday, as part of an ongoing emergency operation to return stranded nationals. — KUNA photos KUWAIT: A new group of citizens evacuated from Iran arrived at Kuwait International Airport (T4) on Sunday, as part of an ongoing emergency operation to return nationals stranded due to the Zionist entity's attack on Iran and Tehran's retaliation. 'In line with the State of Kuwait's keenness to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad and guarantee their safe return to the homeland, the second batch of evacuation flights carrying Kuwaiti citizens arriving from the Islamic Republic of Iran has landed today, Sunday, via the Republic of Turkmenistan,' Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said Sunday. The operation is part of a large-scale evacuation plan being implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with relevant authorities. The first evacuation flight arrived in Kuwait early Saturday, carrying 334 citizens who had been transported overland from cities across Iran to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, before flying home aboard a Kuwait Airways plane. 'The concerned authorities continue around the clock to complete all stages of the evacuation and provide all necessary facilities, in translation of the political leadership's directives and its constant concern for the safety of citizens abroad and their safe return to the homeland,' said KUNA. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah personally received the evacuees at Kuwait International Airport and praised the efforts of all agencies involved. The evacuations were prompted by intensifying conflict between the Zionist entity and Iran, now entering its second week. While no injuries have been reported among Kuwaiti nationals, the government activated a comprehensive evacuation strategy to safeguard citizens in Iran. 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan for Kuwaiti citizens in Iran in light of the accelerating developments in the region,' Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya told Kuwait News Agency last week. Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Sameeh Hayat confirmed that over 1,000 Kuwaitis are expected to be evacuated 'as quickly as possible.' — Agencies
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Green urban initiative on Kuwait's Second Ring Road first of many to come: Ahmadi Governor
KUWAIT: Kuwait has unveiled the results of its first green urban development initiative under the Green Urban Development Initiatives Committee, with a beautification and planting project along sections of the Second Ring Road. 'This marks the beginning of our committee's work,' said Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Governor of Ahmadi and Chairman of the committee, during an inspection tour of the project on Saturday. 'Similar initiatives will follow across various locations throughout Kuwait.' The beautification project, proposed by engineer Haifa Al-Muhanna and generously funded by residents of Shuwaikh residential area and surrounding neighborhoods, aims to transform a heavily trafficked stretch of roadway into a visually appealing and environmentally friendly space. 'This is nothing new for the Kuwaiti people,' Sheikh Hammoud said, praising the spirit of community engagement. 'We invite all those interested in contributing to greening and beautification efforts in all governorates to visit the committee's website or our accounts on X and Instagram (@gudikuwait). These projects improve the visual landscape, reduce pollution, and enhance quality of life.' KUWAIT: Thousands of plants, including palm trees, were planted as part of the project. Imported palm trees The first and second phases of the Second Ring Road beutification initiative began on April 14 and continued for three months. The project included the planting of thousands of hardy plants adapted to Kuwait's climate. Among them are date palms, Tecoma, Pennisetum, and red oleander, chosen for their resilience and aesthetic appeal. The palm trees were especially imported with uniform heights to maintain visual harmony. A full irrigation network was also installed to ensure sustainability. 'The palm trees used in the project are non-fruiting to make maintenance easier along major roads,' Al-Muhanna explained. 'We also enhanced the soil quality to support the long-term health and appearance of the plantings.' Spanning 1.46 kilometers and covering two roundabouts, the project reflects Kuwait's broader environmental vision, said Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, who also joined the tour. 'This initiative represents a major step in promoting environmental sustainability,' he said. 'It's part of a nationwide effort to create healthier and greener urban spaces that improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and raise environmental awareness.' Falah Al-Enezi, Acting Deputy Director General for Beautification at the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources. — KUNA photos Officials plant flowers as part of an inspection tour of the first green urban development initiative on Saturday. Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Supporting the initiative, Falah Al-Enezi, Acting Deputy Director General for Beautification at the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, said the authority is committed to offering logistical and technical support for such efforts. 'This kind of collaboration increases Kuwait's green footprint and contributes to environmental development,' he said. Al-Muhanna thanked the local community for their support and expressed appreciation for Sheikh Humoud's direct involvement and follow-up on the project's implementation. 'The support from both residents and officials has been key in delivering this project to a high standard,' she said. The initiative is the first major undertaking by the Green Urban Development Initiatives Committee, formed in August 2024 by ministerial decree. The committee includes senior representatives from Kuwait's agriculture authority, housing and infrastructure agencies, the Ministry of Electricity and Water, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and civil society leaders, among others. The committee's mission is to align urban development with global sustainability trends, creating greener, healthier communities throughout Kuwait. — Agencies
