The people of the Lebanon have always valued their cuisine. Traditional recipes have been passed down through the generations. Now, demand for Lebanese food is expanding across the globe. Eating in a middle eastern restaurant has become a common occurrence for residents of major cities, such as Sydney.
Much of this popularity has been result of the Lebanon’s multicultural attitude. The country has embraced fusion cuisine. This has meant that its food is suited to all palates, both within the country and internationally.
Embracing the use of fresh produce
One aspect of Lebanese cuisine, which is suited to international taste is the use of fresh produce. Generally, the world’s population is becoming more health conscious, and eating fresh food is good for you. It makes sense that Lebanese cuisine, which involves the use of large amounts of fresh produce, is popular. Oranges, apples, peas and carrots are all regularly used when producing a Lebanese meal, and can be savoured when you are eating one.
The health benefits of olive oil
In common with many different Mediterranean cuisines, Lebanese meals tend to be produced using olive oil. This is a healthier type of oil than animal or vegetable oil, as it contains monounsaturated fatty acids, as opposed to saturated fats. This is another health benefit which attracts people to Lebanese food.
Flavour from herbs and spices
Flavour is one of the most important aspects of any meal. It’s important to excite your taste buds, if you want to really enjoy the food that you are eating. Look at any recipe for Lebanese food, and you can see that a variety of herbs and spices are included. They provide the taste explosion that makes the food so popular internationally.
Many other international cuisines rely of sauces to bring out the full flavour of a dish. These sauces may taste good, but they can be very rich and are generally not the healthiest option for your diet, on an ongoing basis.
The delights of Za’atar
One of the crucial secrets of the success of Lebanese cuisine, is the inclusion of Za’atar. This is a collection of different herbs; thyme, oregano and marjoram. The herbs are mixed together, and other herbs are sometimes added. Sesame seeds are also added to the mix. Za’atar is crucial to the overall taste of many Lebanese dishes. It’s a taste sensation that is vital to the cuisine of the country.
Lebanese food is both tasty and healthy. This combination makes it a popular choice with restaurant visitors in countries across the globe. The country’s willingness to embrace fusion cuisine has helped it to extend the reach of its food into these countries. In a world where healthy food options are sought by many, Lebanese cuisine only seems likely to continue to flourish. It has the taste and ingredients necessary to continue to appeal to anyone, no matter what their country of origin.
3 comments
My husband and I want to start branching out and eating new foods. I like how you mentioned that Lebanese food tends to be healthier than other Mediterranean cuisines because it uses olive oil which comes with many health benefits. We will be sure to find a Lebanese cuisine restaurant to try.
Great blog post! This gave me so much information about the cultural background of my new favourite cuisine!
This is also one of the reasons why Armani Restaurant has been providing authentic Middle Eastern food, that includes Lebanese food, in years. People are craving something healthy and exciting.