Where is hummus from?

Check out this Economist article that explains how prized hummus is as a part of Middle Eastern cultural patrimony. According to the article, it is crucial for various “nationalists,” Israeli and Lebanese alike, to recognize this food’s origins. It is so important that to some it seems tantamount to political sovereignty. “Foods such as hummus originated in Lebanon, [the Lebanese] say, and this should be recognised, as much as Greece’s exclusive claim to feta cheese or Parma’s to parmesan. Alarmed by Israeli firms’ success in marketing Middle Eastern foods in the West, where they are sometimes labelled as traditional Israeli fare, [Lebanese] see the food fight as an extension of Arab ‘resistance’ against the usurping of their patrimony.”

One of the biggest batches of hummus ever made, in Jerusalem (400kg, 881 pounds)

There is more to this story than expressing a sense of pride and maintaining national character. In the sometimes onerous search for authenticity, official recognition can do a lot for the tourism and food industries, where in this case, an “original hummus” would be the target. Think of the gastronomic aspects of culture that you associate with places like Hong Kong, Bordeaux and New York City. Where do you think hummus came from? Do you think it’s important to know where foods originate?

Sean

RW-3.com