# Using Science and Technology to Unveil The Hidden Delicacy Terfezia arenaria, a Desert Truffle
## 1 Introduction
arenaria_ has also been reported to have important biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and antimuromal [25; 26; 27; 23]. Despite the increasing interest in exploring the nutritional and chemical composition of desert truffles [19; 20; 21; 22], _T. arenaria_'s consumption and trade are still limited to small regions where this species is native. Therefore, one of our objectives was to showcase _T. arenaria_'s nutritional value by comparing it with other edible mushrooms and truffles, namely species that are well-known by the consumer and are widely available in the market. Furthermore, ensuring food security and authentication are vital strategies for the sustainable exploitation of this native resource, preserving its long-term viability and conservation. Desert truffles are hypogeous (i.e., mushroom formation occurs belowground), which makes them difficult to detect [28]. However, as _T. arenaria_ (and other desert truffle species) are mycorrhizal fungi that are associated with a host plant (most frequently from the Cistaceae family [29]; _T. arenaria_ associates with the annual plant species _Tuberaria guttata_[30]), and screening the potential host plants is part of the detection method. Once their potential location is detected, the traditional method of harvesting desert truffles involves a pointed stick to carefully probe the soil [13]. This potentially destructive technique is time-honoured and traditionally passed from generation to generation, predominantly in Mediterranean regions [15; 31]. However, harvesting desert truffles is a difficult process practiced by specialists [11], which are becoming fewer and fewer among the new generations due to the abandonment of rural areas and traditional forestry [2; 14]. Desert truffles' (and wild mushrooms in general) incorrect harvesting, including excessive harvesting, can lead to the destruction of fungal structures, making future productivity unfeasible [32]. In the case of incorrect species identification, it can cause poisoning, leading to a feeling of insecurity (mycopphobia) among consumers [3; 33]. Like the mushrooms and truffles commonly found in supermarkets, it becomes crucial to establish comprehensive knowledge regarding the safe consumption of desert truffles and other wild mushrooms and truffles. Altogether, developing and implementing guidelines that ensure food safety becomes especially significant for the mushroom trade [33]. Only by prioritizing the development of sustainable harvesting techniques and tools to assess quality and authenticity can we establish a fair value chain for these endogenous products. These steps are essential to meet consumer's health and nutritional needs while safeguarding the resource and promoting equitable practices in its utilization. So far, _T. arenaria_ and other desert truffle species identification has relied on traditional knowledge and morphological identification by experts. However, besides its nutritional value and potential health benefits, _T. arenaria_ has a unique bouquet of volatile organic compounds (VOCs; includes alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and sulphur compounds [34; 35; 36]), which is perceived by humans as a subtle, sweet and agreeable flavour [11; 13] and contributes to promote its quality and gastronomic value [15; 31]. Therefore, we consider that _T. arenaria_'s VOCs bouquet could be explored to develop a robust and efficient analysis method to certify the quality and authenticity of this delicacy. Studies on the VOCs present in desert truffle species are still scarce [35], and only one study included _T. arenaria_[34]. Currently, the most common identification and quantification methods for VOCs analysis is gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) [37], and it has been widely applied to truffles and desert truffles [35; 38]. GC-MS is a powerful analytical technique with high sensitivity, easy metabolite identification, and has the possibility to couple with separation techniques [39].