Ethnomycological Aspects of Traditional Usage and Indigenous Knowledge about the Arid-Semi Arid Truffles Consumed by the Residents of the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey

Authors : Mehmet AKYÜZ

Pages : 57-70

View : 18 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2017-12-11

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This research consists of a cross-sectional survey studying the local knowledge about arid-semi arid truffles, their use and their ethnomycological aspects, in the hope of discussing the importance of truffles in socioeconomic life, for the local ecology and in folk traditions. 230 truffle gatherers from Eastern Turkey were interviewed. Truffles usually appear from early March to late April insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(68.3%);, seen at barren areas that are not plowed insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(95.2%);, and grow in sandy soils insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(97.8%);. Truffle gatherers look for truffle types at areas where the soil bulges and cracks insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(97.0%);, or where kumi plant grows insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(95.2%);, and they find these using their personal experience insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(94.8%);. Observed species included red, reddish brown, brown insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(100%);, yellowish white insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(60.4%);, and rarely black insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(30.0%); morphological types. The locals have expressed that they collect about 2 kg or less truffles per day insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(68.7%);, and the financial profit is high insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(68.3%);. They acquired information from their families and elders insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(92.6%); about mushrooms, and they gather truffles for nutrition insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(97.8%);, for their high nutritious value insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(67.8%);, as they are a natural food source insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(94.3%);, and because of the feeling of satiety they provide insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(95.7%);. Rain insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(97.8%);, soil type insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(62.2%); and also host plant insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Helianthemum spp.); affect the growth of the mushroom. Truffles are usually fried with eggs when cooking insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(84.8%);, preserved in refrigerators insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(93.0%);, and the quality of edibility is high insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(83.9%);. T. boudieri is preferred for commercial use, whereas other types insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P. lefebvrei, T. olbiensis and P. juniperi); are mostly used for daily consumption because they do not provide financial profit.
Keywords : Ethnomycological aspect, Arid semi arid truffle Terfezia, Picoa, Helianthemum spp Indigenous knowledge, Traditional usage of truffle