Sweet Thorn

Camel thorn is a treat not just for the “ships of the desert.” People living on both sides of the Kum-Darya River enjoy it as well. However, they don’t eat the stems or leaves of this plant, which can grow as tall as a person. Instead, they collect the sugary clumps that form on it. They spread a large piece of cloth under the bush and use a stick to knock down the sugary deposits.

One collector can gather up to 44 pounds of this desert sugar in a single day. Locals use it to make halva, candies, and even jam.