Loading ...Arabs have been “Foodies” for Centuries
By: Meral Abu-Jaser /Arab America Contributing Writer
All over the world, food has always been the center of every occasion. Yet for Arabs, it is a different story. Arabs have been “Foodies” for Centuries despite the fact that every Arab country has its own national and public holidays. There is one thing that binds them together, that is food! For centuries, Arabs have always focused on food. Whatever it is a sad or happy occasion, food is always the main course. For example, on the happiest occasions such as a wedding ceremony, a newborn baby gathering, or a graduation celebration food would be served. Therefore, this article will showcase the rejoice of food in the Arab world.
History of Arabic Cuisines
The Arab world has a long history with food. Firstly, various Arab countries share a domestic history of farming. As a result, Arab countries were the main place for spices that introduced a delicious twist to the taste of their food. That said, the Arabic cuisines are often centuries old and reflect the culture of great trading in spices and herbs. As a matter of fact, Arabic spices are the best because they contain a mixture of herbs that give a unique taste to any dish. Arabic spices have a rich mix focused on sesame, saffron, sumac, garlic, cumin, and coriander. Those are only some of the main ingredients that enhance the Arab Cuisines.
Thus, dating back for centuries, Arabs have always been “foodies.” For thousands of years, food became part of culture and hospitality. For Arabs, food is a symbol of joy and happiness. Ever since the 4th century, Arab people would rejoice in their feelings with traditional dishes. For example, the oldest dish dates to 1600 BCE. It is an ancient Egyptian cuisine named tiger nut sweets. This famous dessert is old enough that the ingredients were found on a broken piece of pottery. This marks the culture of food and its importance in the Arab culture. To this day, Arabs include this ancient dish in their dessert tables as part of a tradition. Another ancient dish is Kibbeh. Later, this traditional dish was re-created in different ways in Arab countries. It is very famous and is considered a fancy appetizer that is always included in an Arab’s feast.
Arab Occasions are Tied with Food
Today, as families gather for any sort of occasion, food would always be the main spotlight. For instance, wedding ceremonies always include a variety of dishes. People used to spend days preparing for the wedding day because they would be preparing all kinds of meals. Additionally, when there is a newborn, people would come and visit with many different dishes. It is considered shameful to visit a newborn’s mother empty-handed. The meals brought are most beneficial for the mother to help her regain her strength. Moreover, for graduation celebrations, people would come and give money for the graduate. Once the party starts kunafa is served which one of the most famous desserts know in the Arab world.
To sum up, now you have a glance as to why Arabs have been “foodies” for centuries. It dates to history as to when Arabs first came up with today’s recipes. For many centuries, Arab culture has thrived with the unique cuisine. As to this day, we still have a plethora of ancient recipes that have influenced many of today’s dishes. Hence, we showcase our pride in the food we make in all kinds of occasions. Some of the known are wedding ceremonies, graduation, and the birth of a newborn. This is culture is part of our long-time history and it is here to stay. Therefore, whenever you think of food next time think of the famous Arab culture. As well as the famous dishes that were invented thousands of years ago.
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