SORGUL ŞÊXO

Til Temir (Tell Tamer)- Desert mushrooms are also called lightning mushrooms, growing just after rainfall. One reason why mushrooms grow so quickly is that lightning provides energy that breaks down nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere, forming nitrogen oxides. When rain falls, it carries these nitrogen compounds to the ground, acting as a natural fertilizer.

Mushrooms contain various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are recognized as a source of nutraceuticals in nutrient balancing, strengthening the human immune system, enhancing natural body resistance, and lowering proneness to disease. Although mushrooms have many benefits, experts warn people only to consume those that they know to be safe to eat because some are poisonous to humans.

Meryem Mihemed, a resident of Til Temir, a town in the Jazira Canton of North and East Syria, knows which mushrooms are safe to eat. She makes a living raising livestock and picking mushrooms. “Raising sheep and chickens is the most enjoyable thing for me because we benefit from them,” she told NuJINHA. “Spring is the most productive season because it is neither too hot nor too cold, providing a perfect balance. Spring is also the mushroom hunting season for us. Mushrooms are like an alternative to meat.”

‘There are two types of mushrooms’

There are two types of mushrooms growing in our country, said Meryem Mihemed. “One is edible and the other is poisonous, known as dog mushroom. As the women of the region, we know which one is edible. When mushrooms grow, we take our bags and knives and go to pick them.”

‘The more you care for the land, the more you will reap what you sow’

Meryem Mihemed also said that their land was fertile and productive. “The more you care for the land, the more you will reap what you sow. You should care for the land. Mushrooms grow just after rainfall. They have many health benefits.”