Despite minor variances in the environment, most Middle Eastern nations grow the same fruits. But don’t mistake this for a lack of options. Westerners who have forgotten how a tomato or a green bean should taste are astounded by the vast variety of local fresh fruits and vegetables available here, as well as their vibrant tastes.
In this post, we’ll learn a little about five of the most popular fruits cultivated in the Middle East, including how to pronounce them in Arabic, their importance, and what they represent.
Figs تِّين teen (fruit)
Since prehistoric times, figs have been grown in the Middle East. Fruits like figs, dates, olives, and pomegranates are regarded as gifts and heavenly fruits of God in the Quran because of their medical benefits. “By the fig and the olive,” says the opening Quranic verse in (chapter) Surat At-Tn (The Fig) – (95:1). One interpretation is that it is an oath to the same two fruits, which have exceptional nutritional and creative characteristics. Other interpretations are possible, of course.
Dates تَمْر temir (fruit)
Despite the fact that the environment in some regions of the Middle East is one of severe heat, dryness, and little rain, dates appear to be one of the most successful fruits due to their climatic compatibility. They offer several health advantages and are typically consumed during the holy month of Ramadan. Prophet Mohammed is said to have broken his fast with three dates and water. Fasting can cause headaches and low blood sugar if it lasts for several hours. Since dates are high in fibre and sugar, which help the body restore its energy.
Olives زَّيْتُون zaytoon (fruit)
For thousands of years, olives have held religious importance throughout the Middle East. Olives, olive oil, olive trees, and olive branches appear in the Bible and the Quran several times. The olive tree is revered by Palestinians not just because of its economic value, but also because of its historical and political significance. In the Middle East, olives are served with nearly every meal, including morning. Zaatar is eaten with olive oil, which is used liberally for cooking and pouring over hummus and other Mediterranean dips.
Pomegranate رُمَّان rumman (fruit)
It is known as the fruit of the gods and offers a number of health advantages. The fruit was considered a sign of riches and ambition by the ancient Egyptians. Pomegranate juice may be purchased from merchants throughout the Middle East and is also used to produce jams, sauces, and syrups. Pomegranate is referenced three times in the Quran: Surah Ar-Rahman is one such example (55:68) “There will be fruits, date palms, and pomegranates in the two Gardens.” According to one reading, the two gardens include a profusion of fruits, such as dates and pomegranates.
Apricots مِشْمِش mishmash (fruit)
When Arabs think of apricots, they think of Damascus, Syria, where the apricot type most suited to the drink Qamar al-Din (literally “Moon of the Religion”) was initially cultivated. is a thick apricot beverage that is popular during Ramadan. The Turkish phrase “bundan iyisi am’da kays” directly translates to “the only thing finer than this is a Damascus apricot.” “It doesn’t get much better than this,” to put it another way.
Green Almonds لوز اخضر loz akhdar (fruit)
Prunus amygdalus, a cousin of the peach, plum, and apricot, is the first fruit tree to blossom in the spring. Clusters of light green pods linger on the trees after the fragrant almond blooms have fallen. These embryonic almonds, known as ‘green almonds,’ will develop into the nut we all know.
Green almonds are these fuzzy green pods. After the flowers have faded, these tiny nutlets develop on almond trees. In places where almond trees thrive, green almonds, a symbol of spring, are used to mark the calendar.
Green Plums جنارك janarik (fruit)
One tiny mouthful captures that green spring crunch! Tiny (about the size of grapes), juicy, extremely crunchy, and a little sour, one small taste captures that green spring crunch! I took a mouthful, and they tasted like an immature, green mango—a little sour! Because they’re plucked before they’ve fully matured, they’re sour.
Goje sabz in Iran, janerik or jarareng in Lebanon, erik in Turkey, mei in China, and ume in Japan are some of the names for young, sour plums. Although not all plums are the same, they may all be utilised in the same way. As the first fruits of spring, this type, which is particularly popular in Middle Eastern cultures, is well loved.
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